LASIK Coverage for Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

If you’re living with glasses or contact lenses (or both) for vision correction, you may be wondering, does my Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance cover LASIK? While we wish there were a simple answer to that question, there isn’t. There are dozens of different health insurance plans that belong to senior citizens, private sector employees, public sector employees, students, dependents, and more. 

That said, some health insurance policies, including BCBS, do cover LASIK. Though it’s difficult to answer that question without knowing more details about your specific policy, coverage can vary even within a company depending on the particular plan.

Finding Out if Your Insurance Covers Your LASIK

Our guide will help you gather the information you need and then provide resources to determine if LASIK is covered under your Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance.

Gather Information For LASIK Coverage

Make sure you have all of your insurance information. You will need both your group code and policy number located on your Blue Cross Blue Shield card.

Know the LASIK CPT insurance code

Insurance companies use a system of universal codes, called CPT codes, to describe services that they cover. Laser vision correction, more specifically, LASIK, is represented by the universal CPT code: S0800. When you communicate with Blue Cross Blue Shield, you will need to provide this number so they can confirm your coverage. These codes are used to avoid ambiguity when coverage is being determined.

Does Insurance Cover LASIK

Some insurance does indeed cover LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures. However, you should confirm your coverage by checking with different sources of information.

How Can You Determine If Your Insurance Covers LASIK?

Option 1: Ask your employer or HR Department

You may be able to determine if your BCBS insurance covers LASIK by asking someone in your employer’s HR department. The HR department may be able to review your policy and advise you whether or not LASIK is covered under their current health insurance. Additionally, other options to pay for LASIK could exist in the form of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) which can be used to pay for LASIK. While this is not insurance, strictly speaking, FSAs can help to reduce the immediate costs of the procedure.

Option 2: Ask Blue Cross Blue Shield Directly

You can also call the BCBS member services and ask them if you are covered for LASIK, SMILE, or PRK vision correction. Your member services phone number is on the back of your card, or you can call 313-225-9000. Specifically, ask if you have coverage for the procedure code S0800 (the insurance CPT code used to describe LASIK). When you call BCBSM, make sure you have your card handy with your ID number and group number.

Option 3: Let us help you figure out if your insurance covers LASIK

The easiest way to get the answer to the question “Does my insurance cover LASIK?” is to come to the Laser Eye Institute for your complimentary initial consultation. Your LASIK coordinator will determine if your insurer covers all or part of LASIK, SMILE, or PRK.

If you don’t have coverage or your BCBS insurance benefit only offers partial coverage, we can help you figure out what alternative funding methods are available for you. In fact, scheduling a consultation with Laser Eye Institute can be one of the easiest ways to see what your coverages are. Not only will you get a free consultation, we’ll help you determine exactly what your coverages are. You can also pay for LASIK using money from your health savings account or through our 0% financing offer.

Pro Tips for Budgeting for LASIK

Pro Tip 1: Know your cost-share

Even if LASIK is a covered benefit under your plan, you may still have a deductible or copay to consider when budgeting for your vision correction. If you call BCBSM or communicate with your HR department about LASIK coverage, make sure you ask for clarification regarding other costs that may be associated with the procedure.

Pro Tip 2: Check your vision insurance plan

If you have vision insurance, in addition to your medical insurance, your vision insurance may offer partial coverage, a discount plan, or a pre-negotiated rate. Remember to check your vision plan, as these are frequently offered through an employer with a separate insurance company.

Pro Tip 3: Set up your introductory consultation and we’ll help you find out.

When you bring your insurance cards or member information to your complimentary consultation, your Laser Eye Institute LASIK coordinator will check your benefit coverage directly with your insurance company or companies. We will help you determine precisely what’s covered and what out-of-pocket costs you’ll need to manage.
If you’re considering LASIK, during your initial consultation with the Laser Eye Institute, we will review every aspect of your case with you—from initial measurements of your specific vision correction needs and creation of your unique treatment plan through the actual LASIK treatment and post-op care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, including what your BCBS insurance covers and what your investment will be.

If you’re interested in finding out more about whether or not your LASIK procedure will be covered, one of the best ways is by making an appointment with Laser Eye Institute. The initial consultation is totally free and we will be able to find your coverage as well as give you all the information you need to decide if LASIK, SMILE, or PRK is right for you. Set up your initial LASIK appointment now and start seeing clearly!