How to Use Your Vision Insurance & FSA Benefits Before the End-of-Year Rush in Littleton

As the end of the year approaches, it is easy to forget about unused vision insurance benefits or money remaining in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If you live in Littleton, planning your eye care before the year-end rush can help you make the most of the benefits available to you while avoiding crowded appointment schedules.

At Sterling Eyecare, we encourage patients to review their coverage early so they have time to schedule needed eye exams, update prescriptions, and purchase eligible eyewear or contact lenses.

Review Your Vision Insurance Benefits

Vision insurance plans often provide benefits for routine eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, or allowances toward eyewear. However, coverage limits and renewal dates vary by plan. Some benefits reset at the beginning of the calendar year, which means unused benefits may not carry over.

Before scheduling your Littleton eye exam, review your plan to determine what services and products are covered. It can also help to check whether you have already used your annual eye exam or eyewear allowance.

Do not assume that because your vision seems clear, you have no reason to use your benefits. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates more than your prescription - it also gives us an opportunity to assess your overall eye health.

Put Your FSA Funds Toward Eye Care

An FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. Depending on your plan, eye care expenses may qualify, making the end of the year a good time to address vision needs you have been postponing.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Prescription eyeglasses
• Prescription sunglasses
• Contact lenses
• Contact lens fittings
• Certain other qualifying vision-related expenses

FSA rules differ by employer and plan. Some plans offer a carryover or grace period, while others require funds to be used within a specific timeframe. Check your individual plan so you know your deadline and remaining balance.

Combine Your Benefits When Appropriate

Depending on your coverage, you may be able to use vision insurance for covered services and then use FSA funds toward eligible out-of-pocket costs. For example, insurance may contribute toward an eye exam or eyewear while FSA funds can help cover qualifying copays, upgrades, or remaining expenses.

Our Littleton eye care team can help you understand what information you may need before your visit, but your insurance provider or plan administrator is the best source for specific coverage and FSA rules.

Schedule Before The Year-End Rush

November and December can become busy as patients try to use remaining benefits before their deadlines. Scheduling earlier gives you more flexibility and leaves time to select glasses, order contact lenses, or take care of other vision needs before the year ends.

If you have been putting off your annual eye exam or know your prescription needs updating, checking your benefits now can help you avoid losing valuable coverage.

Schedule your year-end eye care with Sterling Eyecare in Littleton, CO by calling 720-453-1980 and make the most of your available vision insurance and FSA benefits.