How to reduce cost of Lasik without reducing results
Lasik eye surgery uses some wonderful new technology to help people improve their eye site. The thought of not having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses is very appealing for most people. But when a person finds out just how much it costs to receive Lasik eye surgery it may not seem quite as appealing.
The average cost of Lasik eye surgery in the United States is around $1,800 per eye. It may cost even more if the person has worse eye site, if they have more abnormalities, or would like to have ItraLase and/or wavefront technology used in their procedure. However, there are some ways that a person can reduce the cost of Lasik eye surgery without reducing the quality of the surgery or the good results that can come from Lasik. This article will discuss some of these possibilities.
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Medical Insurance
Usually the chance for someone to have Lasik eye surgery covered under their Medical Insurance policy is pretty slim. However, there are some insurance policies that may specify that this type of surgery is covered if it is considered a necessity. If this is the case, a person may be able to file a request and have some of their Lasik eye surgery costs covered under their Medical Insurance.
Payment plans
Some eye surgery clinics offer payment plans to individuals who receive Lasik. Sometimes patients can make monthly payments for up to 12 months without any interest. Since each company who offers payment plans for Lasik eye surgery is different, it is very important for a person to discuss payment options with their surgeon before surgery.
Financing
Some places that perform Lasik eye surgery offer some type of financing option. A person may be able to set up a payment plan. The price of the monthly payments will vary depending on a person's credit score and the cost of their surgery. Though this may not reduce the overall cost of the surgery, it can certainly make it more affordable if a person only has to pay $60 or so a month.
Flexible Spending Plans
This is another option to help a person pay for Lasik. This option does not decrease the amount a person pays for the eye surgery, but it can help them set aside the money for the Lasik surgery. If an employee's company offers a flexible spending plan, the person can put aside pre-tax dollars into their flexible spending account. A person can then use this money toward their Lasik eye surgery.
Tax deduction
This option may not work for everyone, but it is a possibility. In section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code, people are able to file a deduction for medical care they receive when there is no other way to be reimbursed for an amount that is over 7.5% of the person's adjusted gross income. To find out if this is a possible way for a person to reduce the cost of their Lasik eye surgery, they will need to have their accountant apply for approval for the deduction by writing a letter to the IRS.
Credit Cards
If a person wants to get Lasik eye surgery and they do not have the money to pay for the surgery up front, they may have another financing option besides that one offered at the company who is doing the eye surgery. A person could use their credit card to pay for their surgery and then make their credit card payments. This is only a good idea if this financing option will save a person more money compared to other financing options.
