How to “Flex” Your Way to Crisp, Clear Vision in 2023
Published by on November 28, 2023
If you’re considering LASIK surgery to get out of eyeglasses and contact lenses, you may be wondering how to pay for it. You may be surprised at how affordable vision correction can be when you’re flexible.
Laser vision correction surgery is considered an elective procedure and, as such, is not covered under most insurance plans. But that doesn’t mean the cost of LASIK has to come completely out of pocket.
One smart option is to use your FSA or HSA account, which are tax-advantaged savings plans that let you set aside money for eligible healthcare expenses. Here are some facts you should know about using FSA or HSA for LASIK:
FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account. Your FSA allows you to deduct a certain amount of money from your paycheck before taxes and use it for qualified medical costs. For 2023, the maximum contribution limit is $3,050 per individual. However, you must use the money within the calendar year or risk losing it, unless your employer offers a grace period or a carryover option.
HSA stands for Health Savings Account. An HSA works similarly to an FSA, except that you typically must have a high-deductible health plan to be eligible. For 2023, the maximum contribution limit is $3,850 per individual and $7,750 per family. The advantage of an HSA is that you can roll over the unused funds to the next year and even invest them for future growth.
Both FSA and HSA can be used to pay for LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures, such as SMILE and PRK. These procedures are considered eligible expenses by the IRS because they improve your eyesight and reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts.
Using your FSA or HSA for LASIK can save you money on taxes and lower the overall cost of the procedure. Depending on your tax bracket, you could save up to 20-40 percent on LASIK by using pre-tax dollars. Some insurance companies may offer discounts or financing options for LASIK if you use your FSA or HAS. Kugler Vision will work with patients on low-cost financing.
FSAs and HSAs are both pre-tax accounts, which means your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars. This can save you a significant amount of money on your LASIK surgery, especially if you are in a high income tax bracket.
For example, let’s say your LASIK surgery costs $5,000 and you’re in the 24 percent tax bracket. If you use an FSA or HSA to pay for your surgery, you’ll save $1,200 in taxes.
As you can see, using your FSA or HSA for LASIK is a smart way to invest in clear vision and save money at the same time. If you are interested in learning more about LASIK and whether you are a good candidate, contact Kugler Vision to schedule a consultation. As modern vision correction specialists, we at Kugler Vision are committed to serving our patients’ needs on the journey to a life free from visual barriers. Take the first step with a thorough eye analysis and find out if you qualify for Modern LASIK or one of our 6 other advanced vision correction treatments. Book online at LASIKOmaha.com.
Dr. Drew Dickson is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures. He completed his undergraduate studies at Liberty University before earning his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina Storm Eye Institute.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Dickson is involved in research and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Dickson is known for his compassionate bedside manner and commitment to providing his patients with personalized care. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.
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