Affordable Payment Options
At Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers we believe financial considerations should not be an obstacle in obtaining vision care. We are sensitive to the fact that different people have different needs in fulfilling their financial obligations. Our goal is to make Vision Correction and other services affordable for any budget. You may choose any of the following payment options:
- Cash or check
- Credit card
- Easy Online Payment Options
CareCredit card
We’re pleased to offer our patients the CareCredit® card, North America’s leading patient payment program. CareCredit is the credit card exclusive for healthcare services. You’ll get low monthly payment plans for healthcare procedures not commonly covered by insurance, including LASIK and Premium-IOLs. Learn more by visiting CareCredit.com or contacting our office. Ready to apply? Click here to apply online for your CareCredit card today.
Medicare and Medicaid Allow Choice of Cataract Intraocular Lens
Seniors in Kentuckiana requiring cataract surgery now have more choices for replacement lenses. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced an administrative ruling allowing beneficiaries to choose the insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL) that treats cataracts as well as the loss of reading vision associated with age (presbyopia) as a value-added feature. Prior to this ruling, limitations on Medicare payment prevented beneficiaries from receiving these lenses, even if they wanted to pay for the lens out of pocket.
This procedure and associated services for fitting the lens are considered partially covered by Medicare. Medicare will pay the fees associated with cataract surgery and insertion of a conventional lens. If you choose one of these technologically advanced lenses, you will be responsible for payment of the portion of the charge for the presbyopia-correcting IOL and associated services that exceed the charge for insertion of a conventional IOL
For more information on these advanced IOLs or costs associated with these lenses contact any member of our Vision Correction Team.
It’s Time to Start Planning Flexible Spending Accounts
LASIK and other vision correction procedures are eligible for payment through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Amounts set aside in FSAs are not subject to federal or local taxes. You can save up to 35% by paying these expenses with pretax income.
Many of our patients choose to have one eye corrected at the end of December and the other eye at the beginning of January. Allowing New Year’s Day to split the two procedures enables them to use the money from their FSA to cover the procedure for both eyes if an insufficient amount is set aside in the current year.
Planning for these accounts generally begins in September or October, so now is the time to start thinking about this payment option.
LASIK May be Tax Deductible
In May of 2003, the IRS clarified the law regarding the treatment of medical expenses. Since LASIK meaningfully promotes the proper function of the body, it qualifies as a medical expense that can be deducted. The law allows filers to claim medical expenses that total more than 7.5% of their annual income.
Even though over one-third of taxpayers file itemized statements, less than six percent of those claim medical expenses. Think about all of your medical expenses throughout the year including medical insurance premiums, prescription medication, medical equipment, supplies and diagnostic devices, and medical visits and procedures. All of these items may help your LASIK qualify for the deduction. Visit www.irs.gov for more information.
Give the Gift of Sight With Holiday Gift Certificates
It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays. Why not give your loved one the most precious of gifts, the gift of sight. Contact any member of our Vision Correction team to find out more about our holiday gift certificates.