If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you’re probably concerned about the price, especially if you have less than perfect credit. While many people automatically assume that LASIK surgery is out of their price range, the truth is that when you compare the long-term costs of glasses and contact lenses with the one-time cost of LASIK, the most economical option is usually LASIK. In most cases, this holds true even when a patient has vision insurance.
We understand the considerable cost involved in LASIK, but we also believe that a better life through improved vision is worth investing in. It’s the reason why CLEI is constantly investing in the newest technology to provide patients with the best possible outcomes. It’s also the reason we offer multiple patient payment and financing options, some of which you may qualify for even if you have bad credit.
Financing LASIK through Insurance or Employer Benefits
Many people ask us, “Does insurance pay for LASIK?” Since LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure, it probably won’t be covered by health insurance or vision plans. Still, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to explore your options fully. Some insurances offer discounts on LASIK or might pay for a portion of the procedure, such as ambulatory surgical center facility costs.
In addition, while we are out of network with commercial insurances, our surgeons do accept certain Medicare plans. The best way to understand your coverage and prepare for out-of-pocket expenses is to consult with your insurance provider. If you need assistance, our financial counselors are always happy to discuss specific coverage with you. We can also provide you with any necessary documentation your insurance provider may request.
Try CareCredit or ALPHAEON
Many of our patients take advantage of our special financing through CareCredit and ALPHAEON for LASIK and other eye surgeries. We offer $0 down, 0% interest 24-month financing through Alphaeon and $0 down, 0% interest 12-month financing through CareCredit. The credit terms are easy to understand, which makes signing up planning for payments that fit your budget easy.
Keep in mind that LASIK eye surgery financing – even with bad credit – may still be a possibility. Credit scores and financial situations vary from person to person, so even if you don’t qualify for special 0% interest financing due to your credit score, you may still qualify for another payment plan. We can help you find out if you pre-qualify on the spot. And if the answer is no, there may still be more options available to you.
Use Your FSA or HSA to Pay
When bad credit is an issue, Flex Spending Plans (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great option to cover surgery costs. FSAs are available through your employer. You don’t have to sign up for your employer’s health insurance plan to open an FSA, but you do need to be eligible to enroll in it. As for HSAs, if you’re already enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you may qualify to open one through your employer, or directly through a bank or insurance company.
FSAs and HSAs both allow you to set aside pre-tax funds for healthcare, which you can usually apply toward your LASIK eye surgery. CLEI routinely accepts both as a method of payment for LASIK eye surgery. Of course, you’ll need to check your individual FSA or HSA plan, as well as the latest tax codes, for specific guidelines.
Talk to Your Banking Institution
Another option is to speak with a financial advisor from your banking institution about the possibility of financing your LASIK surgery. A finance specialist can help you to understand your current options as well as learn ways to improve your credit in the shortest amount of time possible. They may also show you options you hadn’t considered. For example, you may qualify for a small personal loan. Or, an automated savings account could help you pay for LASIK surgery in less time than you had imagined. If you choose this route for LASIK financing, we will be happy to give you a detailed estimate of the costs involved so you can take accurate information to your bank.
Take Advantage of Promotions and Special Offers
If you qualify, you may also be eligible for a price reduction. For instance, CLEI offers special discounts for first responders, medical professionals, military personnel, veterans, and teachers. Feel free to reach out to us to inquire about special offers available to you personally.
Conclusion
In the long run, a vision correction procedure is much more cost effective than a lifetime of prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. Even if you have less than perfect credit, there are plenty of payment and financing options available to you. We would be happy to help you explore them all and find a personalized solution. After all, we believe that life-changing vision correction procedures should be financially feasible for everyone.
Contact us today to learn more about personalized financing options.
