Vision Insurance - Health Plans In Oregon (2024)

Vision insurance refers to plans that lower costs for routine eye care and prescription eyewear.

These plans may also offer discounts on elective eye surgery. They work as discount or wellness plans, providing set benefits and discounts in exchange for an annual premium. They operate differently than traditional health insurance plans, and it’s important to fully understand the costs and benefits before purchasing.

If you have vision coverage through work, note that “vision insurance” may be different from other health insurance plans.

And we can help you too. Let us help you lower your eye care costs with our free local assistance. It’s never too late for you to get quality vision services with lower rates. You can purchase vision insurance as an addition to your existing health plan if it’s not already included on your policy or as a stand-alone policy.

What’s available?

• Coverage that is suited for all ages
• A national network of vision services and eyewear providers
• Freedom to go out of network

Be sure to fully understand the costs and benefits.

Unlike major medical insurance policies that provide unlimited benefits after certain co-pays and max out of pocket expenses are met, most vision insurance plans are discount plans or wellness benefit plans that provide specific benefits and discounts. To get an accurate side by side comparison of every vision insurance available to you, Health Plans In Oregon is always here to help.
But remember to check your currenthealth insurance planto see if vision insurance is included. Most people are unaware they are already covered.

Types of Vision Insurance in Oregon

– Major Vision Plans
These plans give superior vision benefits thru a large network of providers including high-quality, independent private practitioners.

– Vision Discount Plans
When you sign up for a dental plan, some insurers may offer a vision discount plan You may also qualify for a vision discount plan from a corporate group or employer.

– Flexible Spending Accounts
Here, you are allowed to set aside a portion of your earnings (as an employee) to pay for qualified expenses, most commonly for medical expenses (which includes eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses)

Additional Savings!

As a result, you probably save on additional pairs of glasses, contact lenses and more! Our Value Added or Service Plus providers also offer special negotiated fees and discounts for extra purchases of lenses and coatings, frames, contact lenses, and other products.

Benefits of Vision Insurance:

1. Routine eye exams: Vision insurance covers the cost of routine eye exams, which can help detect potential vision problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious.

2. Discounts on corrective lenses and frames: Vision insurance can also provide discounts on corrective lenses and frames, making it easier and more affordable to get the eyewear you need to see clearly.

3. Coverage for certain eye procedures: Some vision insurance plans also cover certain eye procedures, such as laser eye surgery or the treatment of eye diseases, helping to reduce the cost of these potentially expensive treatments.

Who needs Vision Insurance?

As per the National Eye Institute, most adults need vision correction: 66% of Americans 18 and over report using glasses, contacts or both. Getting vision insurance may be a smart financial decision depending on how often you need new lenses or eye exams. Eye exams can detect hidden medical issues, this is why it is important not to skip them even if you have perfect vision. In fact, eye checkups can be an indicator of general health.

If you’re experiencing decreasing vision clarity or eyesight problems, the sooner you take corrective measures, the better. Don’t you agree, it’s an easier task to correct faulty vision than to restore it.

Freedom of Choice

Vision plans offer a national network of participating vision providers such as VSP . It’s the most popular and largest network of vision providers available and most vision plans are accepted by these VSP providers. Provider panels include independent optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as regional and national retail chains (including Walmart Vision Center, Sam’s Club Optical, Costco,†Pearle Vision, Target, Sears, JCPenney and Visionworks). You may also choose different providers for vision exam and for materials such as frames and glasses to keep costs down.

• Vision insurance can be obtained through group plans offered by employers, schools, associations, or government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.
• Individual vision insurance policies are also available for those not eligible for group plans, such as the self-employed.
• Vision insurance is often a added benefit to health insurance plans, such as indemnity health insurance, HMOs, and PPOs, which have partnered with managed vision care networks.
• Indemnity health insurance offers flexibility to choose medical providers, HMOs provide discounted health care services from in-network providers, and PPOs offer fixed-rate services from in-network providers, with higher costs for out-of-network care.

With vision insurance, you get access to a network of providers for eye care services, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, eyewear stores, optical labs, and LASIK surgeons, and reduced rates for preventive eye care.”

How much does vision insurance cost?

Many employers offer vision insurance as a benefit. If you don’t have access to vision insurance at work, you might be able to find it for less than $20 per month.

Some plans offer vision insurance plans starting at $16 to $18 per month, and VSP offers plans starting at less than $17 per month per person. In addition to a monthly premium, you’ll likely pay a portion of costs for visits, exams, and glasses or contacts. Typically, the higher your monthly premium, the less you’ll have to pay out of pocket for these services.

How Much Could You Save With Vision Insurance?

Regular health insurance only covers eye-related expenses that are caused by illnesses, injuries, or other serious medical conditions. Vision insurance can help cover the costs of eye exams, glasses, contacts, and other vision-related expenses.

Vision insurance plans come in two types: benefits packages that offer a limited dollar amount of coverage, and discount plans that give you a fixed discount on services and products, such as 20% off.

The savings you get from vision insurance varies based on the number of products and services you buy in a year. On average, a typical eye exam costs $206, a single lens costs $114, and frames cost $242, making the total cost $562, according to Vision Service Plan.

With a $5 per month discount plan that offers a 30% discount, you could save around $108. Savings depend on the specific plan and expenses, but typically, you can expect to save between $100 and $200.

Limitations of Vision Insurance Plans