It’s easy to forget about vision insurance until it’s almost too late. But as the year wraps up in Murrysville and West Newton, families are facing a familiar deadline: use your vision benefits or lose them. With many vision insurance plans operating on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, December becomes a crucial month for eye care.
The good news? There’s still time to get your comprehensive eye exam from Ives Eyecare Center to make sure you use your benefits before you lose them.
Why Vision Insurance Expires, and What That Means for You
Most vision insurance plans are based on calendar years. If your family’s coverage runs from January through December, any unused vision care services or allowances will reset at the start of the new year. That means any unused frame allowance, contact lens coverage, or annual eye exam benefit will be gone. This “use-it-or-lose-it” structure is especially important to keep in mind if:
- You haven’t scheduled your child’s annual eye exam yet
- You’ve been putting off updating your own glasses
- A parent or senior in your care needs new prescription lenses
- You’ve been wearing the same contact lenses longer than advised
It’s also a smart move for families on high-deductible health plans or those managing multiple health expenses. Using your vision insurance now can help you avoid paying out of pocket for new eyewear or exams come January.
How to Use Your Vision Insurance Benefits Before Year-End
Vision insurance plans vary by provider, but most include benefits that go unused simply because families aren’t sure how to apply them. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a breakdown of practical ways your family can use every available dollar before the year ends.
1. Schedule Eye Exams for the Whole Family
Annual eye exams aren’t just about vision correction; they can also detect early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If you haven’t had a comprehensive exam this year, there’s a good chance your plan covers one. Children benefit from early screenings, and adults over 40 should be monitored for age-related changes in vision and eye health.
2. Update Eyeglass Prescriptions and Frames
Most insured plans offer a yearly frame allowance. That means you can refresh your look or upgrade to more durable, child-friendly, or fashion-forward frames. Ives Eyecare Center carries a wide range of styles and materials, and we’ll walk you through the process from selection to fitting.
3. Stock Up on Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, use your insurance benefits to restock before the end of the year. Many patients don’t realize their plans will cover a full year’s supply, or at least a partial reimbursement. We offer trusted brands for daily, weekly, or monthly wear.
4. Use Your FSA or HSA Funds
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can also be used for vision-related expenses. These include exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and lens treatments like blue-light filters or anti-reflective coatings.
5. Ask About Eyeglass Deals or Bundles
Ask about in-store promotions. Ives Eyecare Center works with most vision plans and can help maximize your coverage. Our optical team makes it easy to navigate your benefits and choose the options that work best for your family.
Trusted Eye Care for Your Whole Family in Murrysville and West Newton, PA
Whether it’s a child’s first eye exam or new lenses for a senior, book your eye care appointment and our experienced team at Ives Eyecare Center is here to help. With decades of experience, personalized care programs, and services tailored to your plan, we make it easy to get the care your family needs.
Family Vision Insurance FAQs
What happens if I don’t use my vision benefits before the end of the year?
Most plans operate on a calendar-year basis. Unused benefits typically do not roll over into the next year.
Can I use vision insurance for contacts and glasses in the same year?
That depends on the plan. Some allow you to split benefits between contacts and glasses, while others cover only one category per year.