Vision insurance is a great way to cut your eye care costs. In exchange for a monthly payment, the policy pays part of your vision treatment expenses. However, vision benefits vary depending on the insurance provider.
With LensCrafters being one of the prescription eyewear retailers in the United States, you may be wondering whether your vision care insurance will cover the cost of a new pair of glasses or contact lenses.
Although LensCrafters accepts most major vision plans as payment for their products, there are some exceptions. That's why we're here to help!
In this blog post, we have compiled a list of all the insurance providers that are accepted at LensCrafters. We'll even answer some related questions to help you in your search for your next pair of glasses!
List of Insurance Providers that LensCrafters Accepts
Below is LensCrafters Insurance list that is categorized based on what is accepted online & in-store, in-store only, and out-of-network. Take note that depending on the insurance plan that you have, the vision benefits will vary.
| Online and In Store | |
|---|---|
| Aetna | HealthNow of New York |
| Allways Health Care | Hometown Health |
| Ameritas | Humana |
| BCS | Independent Health Association |
| BEST Life and Health Insurance Company | IU Health Plans |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City | Louisana DGB (Starmount) |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | Medical Mutual of Ohio |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina | Mutual of Omaha |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island | Nippon Life Benefits |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina | Northeast Delta Dental |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee | Optima Health |
| Blue Shield California | Priority Health |
| Blue View Vision | SCAN Health Plan |
| CareSource | SelectHealth |
| Companion Life | Surency Vision |
| Connecticare | TriCare |
| Delta Dental Arizona | Tufts Health Plan |
| Delta Dental Illinois | UNUM |
| Delta Dental Iowa | USA For Healthcare |
| Delta Dental Minnesota | USHealth Group |
| Delta Dental Puerto Rico | VBA |
| Delta Dental Wisconsin | Health Plan of Nevada |
| Dental Select | Health New England |
| Emblem | Health Net, Inc |
| Envolve Vision (Health Net) | Health Markets/Mega Life |
| EyeMed | GVS (Group Vision Service) |
| EyeMed Plus Provider | Government Employees Health Plan |
| Fallon Community Health Plan | Geha |
| In Store Only | Out-Of-Network |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross – Blue Shield | CIGNA |
| Community EyeCare | METLIFE |
| Culinary Union | VSP |
| Emblem Health | |
| FEDVIP | |
| FEP Blue Vision (Through Davis Vision) | |
| HMSA | |
| MCS – Puerto Rico | |
| MES | |
| MMM – Puerto Rico | |
| NBN (Northwest Administrators) | |
| Premera Blue Cross | |
| Superior Vision | |
| Triple S – Puerto Rico | |
| UPMC NVA |
What Vision Care Does Insurance Cover at Lenscrafters?
What can be covered by your insurance when purchasing eyewear at LensCrafters will depend on the type of insurance you have. Most vision insurance plans usually cover some or all of the following:
- Eye exams
- Eyeglass frames
- Eyeglass lenses
- Contact lenses
- Lens Protection
To get a better understanding of what your vision insurance covers, LensCrafters has designed a 3-step process where you can:
- Step 1: Access your benefits and see what you're eligible for
- Step 2: Check the catalog for available products and see the corresponding out-of-pocket expense you need to pay to purchase the product.
- Step 3: Buy the product online or in-store.
How Does the Claim Process Work at LensCrafters?
The claim process at LensCrafters depends on the type of vision insurance you have. If your insurance is listed in the category accepted online and in-store, you do not have to submit a claim form to make any purchase.
If your insurance provider is accepted for in-store-only network and out-of-network benefits, then you will need to speak to a store associate or call 1-877-753-6727 to understand what your options are.
In all of these scenarios, you will need to have your prescription information and your vision insurance information, then LensCrafters will take care of the rest.
Depending on the service or product that you want to purchase, you may need to pay an out-of-pocket expense – the cost of which will correspond depending on your insurance premium.
Usually, the higher your premium, the lower the out-of-pocket expense. This expense is a partial amount of the product or service that you need to copay before the insurance covers the rest of the amount.
How Is the Coverage Different Between In-Network and Out-Of-Network Providers?
Typically, purchasing eyewear from in-network providers will have a lower out-of-pocket expense compared to out-of-network providers.
If you are planning to buy eyewear at LensCrafters, another advantage of your insurance being in-network is that the process is much easier.
You will not need to submit a claim form which can be quite tedious for a lot of people.
If you purchase from any vision retailer that is out-of-network, the price of the frames and lenses will usually be higher than if you were to purchase them from an in-network provider.
That's because the provider did not agree to the discounted rate.
In some cases, your insurance may still cover the cost but these expenses without submitting a claim form first, which can take up to 30 days before the money is reimbursed.
How Much Is an Eye Exam at Lenscrafters with Insurance?
The cost of an eye exam at LensCrafters with insurance will depend on the insurance plan you have and the location of the LensCrafters store.
LensCrafters advises customers to call their nearest LensCrafters location to ask for the exact cost of an eye exam as the Doctor of Optometry located at or next to the LensCrafters store sets their own rates and prices for services.
You may also have to access your eligible benefits and check whether you will get cost savings or how much out-of-pocket expense you will need to pay for when going for a LensCrafters eye exam.
Alternatively, you can discuss this with the store staff when you call for an inquiry.
While exact prices will vary depending on the location of the LensCrafters store, below are some indicative prices of how much eye exams cost at LensCrafters WITHOUT insurance.
- Routine Eye Exam – Starts at $73 without insurance
- Visual Field Testing – Starts at $20 without insurance
- Routine and Contact lens Fitting – Starts at $113 without insurance
- Retinol Poto – Starts at $40 without insurance
If you have vision insurance and eye exam is included in the benefits, you can expect to pay a lower out-of-pocket cost.
Can I Take My Own Frames to Lenscrafters To Save Money?
Yes, you can bring your own frames to LensCrafters. Many customers choose to buy inexpensive frames instead of buying them at a retailer in order to save some cash.
Some people also choose to reuse their old frames and just put in new lenses on them whether for financial or comfort purposes.
However, you have to take note that it is possible for LensCrafters to refuse the frame that you bring with you for a number of reasons.
Here are some possible reasons why your frames could be refused when going to LensCrafters.
- You have an old frame that is not strong enough to hold new lenses. Some frames have defects or cracks that may not be visible to the naked eye.
- The frames are not compatible with the available lenses.
- You have a cheaply made frame that cannot be fitted with new lenses or is also not compatible with available lenses.
- You are bringing frames that are not suitable to your face shape, which could affect the effectiveness of the prescription lenses.
With any of these scenarios, you could end up spending more money instead of saving money.
For this reason, it is best to consult with an eyeglass specialist before buying a frame outside the LensCrafters store.
If you have an insurance plan, this could help you save money on a high-quality frame.
Will LensCrafters Adjust My Glasses If I Didn't Buy Them There?
Yes! One of the free services offered by LensCrafters is a free adjustment service on eyeglasses.
Even if you did not purchase your lens and frame from LensCrafters, the store staff will be happy to adjust the glasses for you.
If you are having a problem with your glasses or if the frames are constantly sliding down your face, go to your nearby LensCrafters locations to get a free adjustment service.
You can also get your eyeglasses cleaned for free while you're at it!
How Much Is a Pair of Glasses Without Insurance?
The cost of a pair of glasses in the United States without insurance depends on the type of frames and lenses you choose.
Generally, an average pair of glasses can cost around $200-400 without insurance.
If you are looking for cheaper options, you may want to consider getting your eyeglasses at discount stores like Walmart or Costco as they also offer prescription eyeglasses.
If you want a high-quality designer brand of eyeglass frames, this could cost several hundreds of dollars.
How To Save Money on Eyeglasses Without Insurance at LensCrafters?
If you have worn glasses for a long time, it is much easier to go online and buy a similar pair that you can take to the store for new lenses.
However, if this is your first time, here are some tips on how you can save money on new frames.
- Go to a nearby store like LensCrafters and check the frames that suit you. Ask them about the type of frames that will work with your prescription.
- Check the cost of these eyeglass frames without insurance but do not immediately purchase from the store.
- Check online or in other stores whether you can get similar frames of the same brands for a lower cost.
- If you find a similar frame of the same brand at a lower price, show this to LensCrafters and see if they can price match so you can buy the frame from them at the same lower price.
- Alternatively, you can buy from another store and bring them to LensCrafters for the lenses.
Alternatives: Online Glasses Providers that Take Insurance
Aside from LensCrafters, here are some retailers that accept insurance. You will have to check with your insurance provider if these retailers are within your network.
Getting Your Eyewear Needs at a LensCrafters Store Near You
LensCrafters is one of the top eyewear retailers that provides clients with quality prescription lenses and frames.
You can expect to get good customer service from the staff, who will be able to help you find what you need for your eyesight.
With LensCrafters accepting different types of coverage plans and having an experienced optometry team, it is very convenient to get your needs taken care of there.
Just check your vision benefits or contact your nearest LensCrafters location for more information.
Even without insurance coverage, customers can enjoy discounts with LensCrafters’ deals on eyewear products.
You can even enjoy free cleaning and adjustment services at LensCrafters even if you did not get your frames and glasses from them.
If you need a new pair of glasses, don't delay it any further. LensCrafters is a great option with or without an insurance plan.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
