LASIK stands for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.” It is a type of eye surgery that corrects vision problems. Many people choose LASIK to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. During the procedure, a special laser reshapes the cornea. This helps light focus properly on the retina, improving vision.
LASIK is popular because it offers quick results and a short recovery time. Most people can see clearly within a day or two. It also reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses.
However, LASIK is considered an elective surgery. This means it is not usually medically necessary. Because of this, many health insurance plans do not cover it. People often ask if Humana, one of the large health insurance providers in the U.S., offers coverage for LASIK.
What Is Humana?
Humana is a well-known health insurance company based in the United States. It offers a range of insurance products, including:
- Individual and family health plans
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Dental and vision coverage
- Medicaid services in some states
Humana aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare. Its plans are known for offering preventive care and wellness programs. However, like many insurance companies, Humana has rules about what it will and won’t cover. These rules apply to LASIK surgery as well.
Is LASIK Considered Medically Necessary?
To understand why insurance coverage for LASIK is rare, we need to know what “medically necessary” means. Health insurance usually covers treatments that are required to diagnose or treat a medical condition. These include surgeries, tests, or medications that are essential for your health.
LASIK, while beneficial, is usually not considered medically necessary. It is a cosmetic or elective procedure. The reason is that vision problems can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Because of this, most insurance companies—including Humana—do not automatically cover the cost of LASIK.
Does Humana Cover LASIK Surgery?
Humana’s standard health insurance plans typically do not include coverage for LASIK. However, there are some exceptions and optional benefits you should be aware of.
1. Humana Vision Plans
If you have a Humana vision plan, it may offer discounts on LASIK surgery. These are not full coverage benefits but rather savings that reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Humana partners with providers like the QualSight LASIK network to offer these discounts.
Here’s how it works:
- You visit a QualSight-approved surgeon.
- You receive a pre-negotiated price that is lower than the standard rate.
- You pay out-of-pocket, but the cost is significantly reduced.
The discount can range from 15% to 45%, depending on your location and the clinic.
2. Employer-Sponsored Benefits
Some employers offer extra vision benefits through Humana that include better LASIK discounts or partial reimbursements. If your employer provides a custom group plan, ask your HR department about LASIK options.
3. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
While this is not direct insurance coverage, Humana members with HSA or FSA accounts can use those funds to pay for LASIK. These accounts let you save pre-tax dollars to cover eligible medical expenses, including elective procedures like LASIK.
4. Humana Medicare Plans
If you are enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to know that LASIK is not typically covered. Medicare itself does not consider LASIK to be a medically necessary surgery. However, your Medicare Advantage plan might offer discounts through a vision partner.
When Might LASIK Be Covered?
Although rare, there are some specific medical conditions where LASIK might be considered necessary. In these cases, there’s a small chance that Humana may approve coverage:
- If a person has a medical intolerance to contact lenses
- If there is severe injury or trauma to the eyes
- If refractive surgery is required as part of another covered procedure
These cases are usually evaluated individually, and prior authorization is almost always required.
If you believe your case is unique, speak with your eye doctor. They can submit a request to Humana with supporting medical documents. But remember, approval is not guaranteed.
How to Check Your LASIK Coverage with Humana
If you’re a Humana member and want to know your options for LASIK, follow these steps:
Step 1: Review Your Plan Documents
Look at your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). This will show what is covered under your plan. Search for sections related to “vision care,” “refractive surgery,” or “elective procedures.”
Step 2: Call Humana Member Services
Use the phone number on your insurance card. Ask specifically about LASIK benefits or discounts. Be clear that you are asking about laser vision correction and not general vision care.
Step 3: Ask About Vision Discount Networks
Inquire whether your plan offers access to the QualSight or LasikPlus networks. These are national networks that partner with insurance providers to offer reduced rates.
Step 4: Confirm with the Surgeon’s Office
If you’ve chosen a LASIK surgeon, ask if they accept Humana discounts. Some clinics work directly with insurance companies and can help you get the best price.
What Does LASIK Cost Without Insurance?
The average cost of LASIK in the United States is between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye. That means the total for both eyes can range from $4,000 to $6,000. Prices depend on:
- The technology used (blade vs. bladeless LASIK)
- The surgeon’s experience
- Your location
- The complexity of your vision problem
Using Humana’s vision discount network can reduce these costs. Some clinics also offer financing plans that let you pay in monthly installments.
Alternatives If You Can’t Afford LASIK
If LASIK is out of reach financially, there are other vision correction options you can consider:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK but may be less expensive.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses that reshape your cornea overnight.
- Implantable lenses: Used in some severe cases of vision loss.
You can also continue using glasses or contact lenses, which are generally covered under most Humana vision plans.
How to Save on LASIK with Humana
Here are some practical tips if you want to save money on LASIK while using Humana:
- Enroll in a vision plan that includes LASIK discounts.
- Use your FSA or HSA funds.
- Choose a surgeon in the QualSight or LasikPlus network.
- Look for seasonal promotions or referral discounts.
- Ask your employer if additional LASIK coverage is available.
Pros and Cons of LASIK
Before making a decision, it’s important to know the advantages and risks of LASIK surgery.
Pros:
- Quick results
- High success rate
- Short recovery time
- Reduced need for glasses or contacts
Cons:
- Not covered by insurance
- Risk of dry eyes, glare, or halos
- Rare complications like undercorrection or overcorrection
- Not suitable for everyone (especially people with thin corneas or certain eye diseases)
Always have a detailed eye exam and consultation with a qualified eye surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Final Thoughts
Humana does not typically cover LASIK eye surgery as part of its standard insurance plans. However, it may offer valuable discounts through partner networks like QualSight. You can also use your HSA or FSA to pay for the procedure. In special medical cases, partial coverage might be possible, but this is uncommon.
If you’re considering LASIK, check your Humana plan details, talk to your doctor, and ask about any available discounts. With the right planning, LASIK can become a more affordable option—even without full insurance coverage.
Related topics:
Is Laser Eye Surgery Covered by Private Health Insurance?
Why Is Laser Eye Surgery So Expensive?
How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Last? A Comprehensive Guide
