How to Maximize Your Vision Benefits Before the End of the Year

Nov 1, 2024

a man getting an eye exam

At our eye care centers in Mt. PleasantCarson CityAlmaState StreetSt. LouisCalumet, and Oscoda, we want to ensure you get the most out of your vision benefits. We accept a wide range of vision insurance and medical plans to make your eye care as convenient and affordable as possible.

Vision insurance can seem confusing, especially with all the terms and options available. Keep in mind that vision benefits typically expire at the end of the year, so now is the perfect time to use them. With a little guidance, you can maximize your coverage and enjoy quality eye care while saving money.

In this blog post, we share some tips for taking advantage of your vision benefits.  

Understand your vision plan 

The first step to maximizing your vision benefits is understanding what your plan covers. Most vision plans typically include coverage for routine eye exams, contact lenses, and eyeglasses. Knowing the details of your policy can help you avoid surprises when it’s time to pay the bill. If you’re unsure about anything, reach out to your insurance provider for clarification. 

Schedule regular eye exams 

Regular eye exams are crucial for keeping your vision clear and your eyes healthy. Most plans cover at least one comprehensive eye exam each year, so be sure to take advantage of this benefit. Early detection of any potential issues can lead to better outcomes and savings down the line, and you may not notice vision changes or symptoms of eye conditions early on.  

Take advantage of special offers 

We understand that quality eyewear can be a significant investment, which is why we offer deals to help you save. 

  • Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses: Use your vision plan on contact lenses, and you’ll get 50% off the retail cost of eyeglasses! You can enjoy the flexibility of contact lenses during the day and switch to stylish eyeglasses whenever you want. 
  • Savings on Sunglasses: You can also benefit from 40% off complete pairs of sunglasses after insurance is used or without insurance. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while looking great at the same time. 

Explore additional coverage options 

Some vision plans offer extra coverage for specialty lenses or frames. If you’re interested in options like blue light-blocking lenses or progressive lenses, check your plan to see if these features are included. This way, you can enjoy enhanced visual comfort and protect your eyes without stretching your budget. 

FSA: “Use it or lose it”

Most flexible spending account (FSA) funds don’t roll over into the next year, so if you don’t use the money, you lose it. Now’s the perfect time to schedule your annual eye exam or pick out a new pair of glasses to make the most of your remaining benefits. Be sure to check your account balance and take advantage of your FSA before it’s too late!

Don’t forget to use your HSA 

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), don’t forget to use those funds! While HSA funds carry over from year to year, it’s still a great time to put them to use.

HSAs help you save money on vision expenses by allowing you to pay with pre-tax dollars. You can use these funds for eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and other eye care needs without affecting your take-home pay. Check your account balance before scheduling your appointment to ensure you’re getting the full value of your benefits!

Stay informed 

Keep an eye out for any changes to your benefits, as vision plans can vary from year to year. You can stay informed by reading any communications from your insurance provider. If you have questions about your coverage, ask our team at one of our eye care centers near you. 

Use your vision plan benefits before they expire

Whether you’re in Central Michigan, Northern Michigan, or the Upper Peninsula, our team is here to help you make the most of your vision benefits. You can reach out to our friendly staff anytime with questions about your coverage or the services we offer.

Schedule your eye exam at one of our locations today to explore our latest selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Eye Floaters: What Causes Them & When Are They Serious?

Eye Floaters: What Causes Them & When Are They Serious?

Have you ever noticed small, shadowy shapes drifting through your vision? These visual disturbances, called eye floaters, are often harmless but can sometimes indicate a more serious eye condition.  In this blog, we explain why floaters appear and when you should...

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy During the Holidays

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season is full of twinkling lights, family gatherings, and long travel days, but all that activity can take a toll on your eyes. Between dry indoor air, screen time from shopping online, and adjusting to different lighting, your eyes work harder than usual...

What Happens If You Skip Your Annual Eye Exam?

What Happens If You Skip Your Annual Eye Exam?

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to put off scheduling annual eye exams. But skipping your yearly visit to the eye doctor can have bigger consequences than you might expect. Regular exams do more than update your glasses prescription; they also help protect your...