One of the first questions you might ask when you step into your local America’s Best for new glasses or contacts: Will my vision insurance cover this? 

That’s a big issue for most of us. So that’s why the associates at America’s Best are trained to help their customers figure it out, says Mike Vaughan, an optician and Retail Operations Manager with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Atlanta.

Learn how to use your vision insurance and tips for maximizing your coverage, so you can afford those cool frames you really want.

Has it been a while since your last eye exam? Now’s the time to book an appointment!  

Can I Use Vision Insurance at America’s Best? 

America’s Best accepts most major vision insurance plans. But even if America’s Best isn’t in your network or you want to pay without insurance, you’ll still be in great shape. We’ll talk more about this later.  

Which Vision Insurance Plans Are Accepted? 

Below is a sampling of vision insurance plans accepted at America’s Best, but coverage is dependent on the individual store. If you know your insurance provider, you can call your local store before you book an appointment to ask if they accept it. (Find your nearest America's Best store.) 

• Aetna 
• Community Eye Care 
• EyeMed 
• Humana 
• MetLife 
• National Vision Administrators 
• UnitedHealthcare Vision-Spectera 
• VBA 

Don’t know who your provider is? That’s no problem, says Vaughan. “Our store associates are trained to take steps to identify your insurance,” he says.  

When you come into America’s Best, be sure to bring your driver’s license or a state-issued ID card, plus your insurance card if you have one. They will ask you some questions, such as “Who is your employer?” They will plug that info into a system that will find your insurer.  

 

Do I Save Money if I Use My Vision Insurance?  

Yes, but the specifics about your deductible, co-pay, and the glasses you choose determine how much you pay out of pocket. Most people spend less than $150 at America’s Best when they apply their vision insurance toward their glasses and contacts, says Vaughan. 

“We want to try to get you the best possible deal that your insurance allows,” he adds. 

Here are a few more things to know, depending on whether you’re going for frames, contacts, or both: 

If You’re Purchasing Eyeglasses Only ... 

Once your exam is complete, your associate will let you know what your frame allowance is, says Vaughan. From there, you’ll put together a pair of glasses based on your needs.  

“We want to know how you plan to use your glasses, what type of activities you’re wearing them for, and your personal style, with the goal of creating a pair that’s best for you,” says Vaughan. 

At that point, your associate will run those ideal glasses in their system to find out your total out-of-pocket costs. If the price is more than what you’re willing to spend, you can make adjustments to suit your budget while still getting what you need. 

You’ll also discuss the option of purchasing a second pair of glasses. A backup pair is highly encouraged in case your daily frames break, are badly scratched, or get lost. When you buy a second pair of eyeglasses (including frames and lenses) with your insurance, America’s Best will discount them by 40%. 

If You’re Purchasing Contacts Only ... 

You’ll have a dollar allowance through your insurance. The store will sell you as many boxes of contact lenses as possible to use up that allowance, says Vaughan. In the event that your insurance covers a six-month supply, but you want to order a year’s worth, you’ll pay the difference out of pocket.  

If You’re Purchasing Both Glasses and Contacts ... 

Even if you are a contact lens wearer, it never hurts to have a pair of up-to-date frames too.  When you use your insurance for contacts, America’s Best will give you 40% off a pair of glasses.  

If your insurance has a cap and you don’t know what to use it for, Vaughan says it’s usually better to bill the contacts to your insurance because America’s Best Eyecare Club members receive discounts on boxes of them. (Note: The Eyecare Club fee is not covered by vision insurance. Learn more about the benefits of Eyecare Club membership here.)  

Then you can also use an America’s Best 40% discount on a pair of glasses. “Doing it this way will give you more for your money,” he says. 

What if I Don’t Have Vision Insurance or America’s Best Is Out-of-Network? 

That’s no problem. You don’t need to use vision insurance at America’s Best, making it an accessible option for everyone.  

Our most popular offer includes two pairs of glasses and an eye exam for one low price. (The offer includes frames from the $69.95 collection with single-vision uncoated plastic lenses. Lens and frame upgrades will cost more.) Without the 2-pair offer, the eye exam costs $69. If you’re getting contact lenses, the eye exam is $99. 

If you are out of network, you can use that same deal. But you also have another option: “Our receipts print out exam and diagnosis codes, which you can then submit for reimbursement to your insurer for an out-of-network plan,” says Vaughan.  

While there is no guarantee of how much the reimbursement will be, this option may help you reduce your costs. “I tell folks that they will end up spending way more money going in network with private practice carriers than out of network with America’s Best,” he says.  

Can I Use My FSA or HSA Funds at America’s Best? 

Yes. Both flexible spending accounts  and health savings accounts can be used for:  

• Eye exams 
• Eyeglasses 
• Eyeglass lenses 
• Contact lenses 
• Sunglasses 

What Questions Should I Ask My Insurance Provider? 

If you’re calling your insurance provider prior to your eye appointment, consider asking these questions: 

• Is America’s Best in my provider’s network?  
• Do I have a co-pay? 
• What is my allowance for frames, lenses, and contacts?  
• What services are covered under my plan?  
• Are lens upgrades covered under my plan? 

Lens upgrades can vary in cost. One type of lens coating might be covered, such as standard anti-reflective. But it’s possible a premium anti-reflective coating will cost you extra. The true cost often isn’t known until you’ve selected frames and lenses in the store and they’re priced out in the system. 

It’s smart to have an idea of what you’re allowed through insurance, but you’ll also need to talk to your America’s Best associate about your coverage. 

What Questions Should I Ask the Store Associate?   

The associate will be able to be more specific about the cost of your specific purchases than your health insurance provider. A few good starting questions include:  

• Is my insurance plan accepted at Americas Best?  
• Are you considered in network with my insurance provider? 
• Will there be any services performed at my appointment that won’t be covered under my insurance?  

 

Recommended reading: 
America’s Best Guide to Sunglasses 
6 Tips for Buying Contacts Online from America’s Best