Health insurance covers hospitalization, surgery/medicine costs, doctor consultation fee, etc. However, unfortunately, it mostly does not cover vision care, including preventative eye health or when you need a pair of glasses or contact lenses for your vision support. Let us discuss why health insurance does not cover vision care and the inequities it is causing.
Insights on Vision Insurance
It is a separate policy from regular health insurance. It is not typically included in employer-provided health insurance plans, so you must purchase it separately. Vision care is considered a “peripheral service” rather than a “core medical service.” This means that vision care is not an essential service and, therefore, not included in regular health insurance.
Vision care is not typically covered by health insurance, which is a significant barrier to accessing care for many people. Many people with vision problems struggle to pay for the necessary care out of pocket, leading to treatment delays, worsening conditions, and, in some cases, blindness. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, nearly 61 million adults in the United States are at risk of losing their vision due to a lack of access to vision care.
Inequities Associated with Vision Care
The inequities within vision care can have significant consequences for economically disadvantaged people. Those who can afford vision insurance have access to preventative and routine maintenance that can catch problems early and ensure they receive the necessary treatment. On the other hand, those without vision insurance may delay seeking care due to the cost, resulting in the need for more expensive treatments later on.
The inequities are even more pronounced when we consider that economically disadvantaged people are more likely to have vision problems. They are also less likely to have access to vision insurance, making it harder to receive the care they need. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and poor health outcomes, where individuals cannot work due to their vision problems, making it harder for them to afford the care they need.
Though health insurance refuses vision coverage, vision care is essential to overall health and well-being, so you must buy a separate policy for your eye care and related expenses.
Cover Your Eye Care Expenses with Gee Schussler Insurance!
At Gee Schussler Insurance Agency, we understand the importance of vision care. We are committed to providing our clients access to affordable and comprehensive vision insurance plans for people across Illinois and the surrounding areas. So you can ensure that you can get the care you need to protect and maintain your vision and overall health. Contact us today to get started!
