Will the Military Pay for LASIK?
The United States military offers various benefits to its personnel, including medical coverage for eye surgeries. One of the most common eye surgeries is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), a procedure that corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But the question remains: will the military pay for LASIK?
Eligibility for Military LASIK Coverage
To determine whether the military will pay for LASIK, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria. The military offers coverage for LASIK surgery through the TRICARE program, which is a health insurance program for military personnel, retirees, and their families.
TRICARE Eligibility
To be eligible for TRICARE, you must be:
- A military retiree
- A retiree of the Uniformed Services
- A family member of a military retiree or retiree
- A family member of a Uniformed Services retiree
- A military dependent
- A member of the National Guard or Reserve
- A dependent of a National Guard or Reserve member
TRICARE Coverage for LASIK
TRICARE covers LASIK surgery under certain circumstances. The procedure is considered medically necessary if it is performed to correct a condition that affects your ability to perform your duties or to improve your vision for military purposes.
Medical Necessity Criteria
To be considered medically necessary, the LASIK surgery must meet the following criteria:
- The surgery must be performed to correct a condition that affects your ability to perform your duties or to improve your vision for military purposes.
- The surgery must be performed to correct a condition that is not covered by TRICARE, such as a refractive error that is not severe enough to affect your ability to perform your duties.
- The surgery must be performed by a qualified medical professional who has experience in performing LASIK surgery.
LASIK Coverage under TRICARE
TRICARE covers LASIK surgery under the following conditions:
- Active Duty: Active-duty personnel may be eligible for LASIK surgery if it is medically necessary to correct a condition that affects their ability to perform their duties.
- Retirees: Retirees may be eligible for LASIK surgery if it is medically necessary to correct a condition that affects their ability to perform their duties or to improve their vision for military purposes.
- Dependents: Dependents of military personnel or retirees may be eligible for LASIK surgery if it is medically necessary to correct a condition that affects their ability to perform their duties or to improve their vision for military purposes.
Cost Sharing for LASIK
Even if you are eligible for LASIK coverage under TRICARE, you may still be required to pay a portion of the cost of the surgery. The cost sharing for LASIK surgery under TRICARE is as follows:
| Cost Sharing | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deductible | $150 |
| Co-payment | 20% of the allowed amount |
| Co-insurance | 20% of the allowed amount |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military will pay for LASIK surgery under certain circumstances. To be eligible for coverage, you must meet the TRICARE eligibility criteria and the LASIK surgery must be considered medically necessary. Even if you are eligible for coverage, you may still be required to pay a portion of the cost of the surgery.
Additional Tips
- It’s essential to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine whether you are eligible for LASIK surgery under TRICARE.
- You should also consult with a qualified medical professional to determine whether LASIK surgery is the best option for you.
- You should also consider the cost sharing requirements for LASIK surgery under TRICARE and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I get LASIK surgery if I’m not eligible for TRICARE?
A: No, LASIK surgery is only covered under TRICARE if it is medically necessary and you meet the eligibility criteria. - Q: Can I get LASIK surgery if I’m not an active-duty personnel?
A: Yes, retirees and dependents may also be eligible for LASIK surgery under TRICARE if it is medically necessary. - Q: How much does LASIK surgery cost under TRICARE?
A: The cost of LASIK surgery under TRICARE varies depending on the location and the provider. You should consult with a qualified medical professional to determine the cost of the surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military will pay for LASIK surgery under certain circumstances. To be eligible for coverage, you must meet the TRICARE eligibility criteria and the LASIK surgery must be considered medically necessary. Even if you are eligible for coverage, you may still be required to pay a portion of the cost of the surgery. It’s essential to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine whether you are eligible for LASIK surgery under TRICARE and to plan accordingly.
