Got FSA Funds? Now Is the Time to Do Something About Your Cataracts

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on October 28, 2024

Is cloudy vision making your daily activities difficult? If you’ve been delaying cataract treatment, now might be the time to act, especially if you have FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) funds available. 

At Missouri Eye Institute, we offer advanced cataract surgery options to help you regain clear vision, and can also guide you through affordable payment options. Read on to find out what some of your surgical and financing options are. They could put your best vision yet well within your grasp.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing clearly. Symptoms can range from slight vision changes to significant impacts on your ability to perform everyday tasks. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to vision loss that can severely affect your quality of life. 

During cataract surgery, a surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). This can correct either distance or near vision. The procedure is generally covered by most insurance plans; however, many patients choose to upgrade to multifocal IOLs for better visual outcomes.

Why Consider Multifocal Cataract Surgery?

Many of our patients choose multifocal cataract surgery to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses or bifocals. Multifocal cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens in your eye with a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Unlike traditional monofocal lenses that only correct vision at one distance (usually far), multifocal lenses are designed to correct vision at multiple distances. This means you can achieve clearer vision for both near and far tasks without the need for additional eyewear. 

Multifocal cataract surgery can significantly improve your overall quality of life by providing a more natural range of vision. Because insurance companies typically don’t cover multifocal IOLs, that part of the procedure must be funded another way. Fortunately, there are options.

Payment and Financing 

While insurance may not cover all aspects of cataract surgery, including multifocal lenses, there are several ways to manage the costs:

FSA/HSA: 

FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts) are financial tools designed to help cover medical expenses that aren’t directly covered by insurance. FSAs are typically offered through employers and allow you to set aside a portion of your paycheck, pre-tax, for eligible medical expenses. HSAs, available with high-deductible health plans, offer similar benefits but with more flexibility and rollover options. Use these accounts to pay for portions of the procedure not covered by insurance. It’s a great way to utilize pre-tax funds for your surgery.

Financing: 

Missouri Eye Institute offers CareCredit card financing to spread the cost of your procedure over time. This helps patients get surgery now and make manageable monthly payments, instead of putting off surgery until all the funding is on hand.

Combining payment options: 

You can combine FSA/HSA funds with financing to cover the full cost of your surgery, making it more affordable and manageable.

The First Step: Cataract Consultation

Before proceeding with any treatment, the first step is to schedule a cataract consultation. During this appointment, your doctor will evaluate your vision, discuss your options and recommend the best approach based on your individual needs and preferences.

If you’re dealing with cataracts and have FSA or HSA funds available, now is the perfect time to explore treatment options at Missouri Eye Institute—before those funds expire. Multifocal cataract surgery could significantly improve your vision and reduce your reliance on glasses. Visit our blog for more information and take the first step by scheduling a consultation with our expert team.

With convenient locations in Springfield, Joplin and Branson, Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from cloudy, blurry vision caused by cataracts. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough evaluation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.