Health insurance is always a given — everyone should have at least some coverage. But other types of additional insurance aren’t always so clear. Namely, is vision insurance in Nevada worth it?
The answer is, yes — and no. It depends on many factors, mostly your eligibility and personal situation. There are three main types of vision insurance, and which one(s) you qualify for will help you determine whether it’s worth it to have vision insurance in Nevada.
Employer-Sponsored Vision Plans
The first type of vision insurance in Nevada is employer-sponsored vision plans. As the name might suggest, these types of plans are provided through your workplace.
Employer-sponsored vision plans are typically inexpensive, often between $0-10 per month. They also usually offer strong networks and excellent coverage for exams, glasses, and contacts.
If you need corrective lenses and your workplace offers employer-sponsored vision plans, it’s usually a good idea to get vision insurance.
Medicare and Vision Coverage
Some Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans include limited vision benefits. The coverage typically isn’t as strong compared to employer-sponsored vision plans, think reduced benefits and smaller networks, but it’s often included in your Medicare plan at no extra cost.
If vision coverage is included in your Medicare plan at no extra cost, then it’s definitely worth having. However, it’s important to check your plan’s Summary of Benefits to make sure you understand the scope and coverage of your vision insurance in Nevada.
Individual Vision Insurance & Alternatives
The third major type of vision insurance in Nevada is individual insurance. Individual plans are the most expensive, especially when compared to the benefits received. It’s better to almost think of individual vision insurance a payment plan, rather than true insurance.
Only consider individual vision insurance in Nevada carefully. Weigh the premium and out-of-pocket costs against what it would cost to not have vision insurance at all — the price of exams per year, glasses, contacts, etc. In many cases, you might find that you’ll pay more for insurance than if you just paid for exams and lenses yourself. It’s a good idea to work with a local agent to help you find quality individual vision insurance in Nevada and ensure you’re getting the right insurance for your budget and needs.
An alternative option for individual vision insurance is a discount vision program through retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club. They may provide a better value than actual insurance.
So, Is Vision Insurance in Nevada Worth It?
Vision insurance makes sense if it’s inexpensive. Major medical insurance already covers medical eye treatments like cataracts, pink eye, and eye disease. Vision insurance is only for routine exams and corrective lenses, which is why it’s typically not worth paying a lot in premiums.
We recommend trying to stick to under $10 per month per person. Anything over $15 per month should be compared to discount programs before enrolling. If you’re eligible for employer-sponsored vision insurance or if it’s included in your Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, it’s usually worth it.
Always compare the cost of the vision insurance to the price of paying for exams and lenses outright to see if it’s worth having. You should also consult with your optometrist for personalized advice, and reach out to a local agent from Health Benefits Associates to help you find the right vision insurance in Nevada to suit your needs and budget. Schedule an appointment by calling 775-828-1216 to discuss your options.
