Healthfirst Eye Exam Coverage in Brooklyn: What You Need to Know
If you have Healthfirst insurance and you're looking for an eye exam in Brooklyn, you're in luck. Healthfirst plans typically include vision benefits that cover routine eye exams, and Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U accepts Healthfirst. But the details matter, and coverage varies by your specific plan. Here's what you need to know before you book your appointment.
What Healthfirst Vision Plans Cover
Healthfirst is one of the largest health insurers in New York, with thousands of Brooklyn members across their HMO, PPO, and Essential Plan options. Most Healthfirst plans include vision benefits, but the scope of coverage depends on which plan you're enrolled in.
How often Healthfirst covers an eye exam, and what it costs you, depends on which Healthfirst plan you have: Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Healthfirst's other plans don't follow one rule. Beyond the exam, many Healthfirst plans also include coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses, either as an allowance toward frames and lenses or through a vision care network. Some plans provide coverage for progressive lenses, anti-reflective coating, and other lens upgrades, though you may pay out-of-pocket for premium options like photochromic lenses or a premium anti-reflective coating.
The key is that your specific coverage depends on your plan type and enrollment date. A Healthfirst Essential Plan member might have different benefits than someone on a Healthfirst HMO or PPO. That's why it's essential to verify before your visit.
Healthfirst Medicaid: How Often Exams and Glasses Are Covered
If you're on Healthfirst's Medicaid Managed Care plan, New York Medicaid's rules set the floor. The state's eMedNY Vision Care Manual sets the usual frequency for a complete eye exam and for eyeglasses at once every two years (24 months), more often when medically necessary and documented. Glasses usually come from a selection of Medicaid frames, and contact lenses are covered only when they are medically necessary. Healthfirst's Medicaid Managed Care page lists vision exams with no copay (as of October 2026). For any other Healthfirst plan, how often your plan covers exams and eyewear depends on your plan. Check your member handbook, or call us and we'll check for you.
Coverage Varies by Plan - Verify Before Your Visit
Here's the reality: we can't tell you exactly what your Healthfirst plan covers without seeing your insurance card or checking your benefits directly. Coverage varies by plan: what you pay for exams and frames, and how often they're covered, depends on your plan.
The best move is to call us at (718) 998-8400 before scheduling. Tell us your Healthfirst plan type, and we'll check your benefits. Or you can book through Zocdoc and note your insurance - we'll confirm your coverage before your appointment. Either way, you'll walk in knowing exactly what to expect.
Why Choose Vision Palace Optical for Your Healthfirst Exam
We've been on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay for over 30 years, serving Brooklyn families and working with nearly every major insurance plan, including Healthfirst. Dr. Julia Sheyko and Dr. Alexander Shlivko provide thorough, personalized exams. We don't rush you through in 15 minutes. We take the time to evaluate your eye health, discuss your vision goals, and answer your questions.
If you need eyeglasses, we have an in-store frame collection that runs from practical, affordable options to designer frames. We'll show you which frames your Healthfirst plan covers, and if you want something it doesn't cover, we'll tell you the cost upfront. No surprises.
And if you're in Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Gravesend, or anywhere else in south Brooklyn, we're easy to reach. We're open Monday through Saturday, walk-ins are welcome, and most patients can be seen the same day or within a few days.
Contact Lens Fittings and Healthfirst Coverage
If your Healthfirst plan includes coverage for contact lenses, we can help with that too. We offer first-time contact lens exams and fittings for daily, monthly, and specialty lenses. Depending on your plan, Healthfirst may cover the fitting exam and a portion of the lens cost. Again, coverage varies - so confirm with us before your visit. We'll make sure you understand what Healthfirst will pay for and what you'll cover out-of-pocket.
Other Insurance We Accept at Vision Palace Optical
Healthfirst isn't the only plan we work with. We accept EyeMed, MetroPlus, Cigna, EmblemHealth, Aetna, Superior Vision, Spectera Vision, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Fidelis Care, 1199SEIU, Medicare, and Medicaid. Coverage varies by plan - call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
If you're unsure whether your specific Healthfirst plan is accepted or what your benefits are, reach out. We're happy to help you navigate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Healthfirst cover the full cost of an eye exam?
It depends on your plan. Healthfirst's Medicaid Managed Care page lists vision exams with no copay (as of October 2026). On other Healthfirst plans, what you pay for an exam depends on your plan. Call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc to verify your specific Healthfirst plan benefits before your appointment.
How often does Healthfirst cover an eye exam?
On Healthfirst's Medicaid plan, New York Medicaid's usual frequency applies: a complete eye exam once every two years (24 months), more often when medically necessary and documented, under the eMedNY Vision Care Manual. On Healthfirst's other plans, how often your plan covers exams and eyewear depends on your plan. Check your member handbook, or call us at (718) 998-8400 and we'll check for you.
Are eyeglasses covered under Healthfirst vision benefits?
It depends on your plan. On Healthfirst's Medicaid plan, New York Medicaid usually covers one pair of glasses every two years, from a selection of Medicaid frames, more often when medically necessary. On other Healthfirst plans, what's covered for frames and lenses depends on your plan. We'll show you what your plan covers and what anything else would cost. Verify your coverage with us first.
Can I use Healthfirst at Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U?
Yes, we accept Healthfirst. We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn, and Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko see Healthfirst patients. Book through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400 to schedule your exam and confirm your coverage.
What if my Healthfirst plan doesn't cover progressive lenses?
If your plan doesn't include coverage for progressive lenses, we can still fit you with them, and we'll explain the out-of-pocket cost before you decide. Many patients find that the cost of progressive lenses is worth it for the convenience. We carry premium progressive lens designs and can discuss pricing with you at your exam.
How do I know what my Healthfirst vision benefits are?
You can call Healthfirst directly at the number on your insurance card, or call us first at (718) 998-8400 and we'll help check your benefits. You can also book through Zocdoc and note your insurance, and we'll verify your coverage before your appointment.
Book your Healthfirst eye exam at Vision Palace Optical - book through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, open Monday through Saturday. Let us help you understand your coverage and get you the eye care you need.