We Accept Your Vision Insurance - Here's What You Need to Know
Finding an optometrist that takes your insurance shouldn't feel like a treasure hunt. At Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, we accept more than a dozen major vision plans so you can get the eye care your family needs without breaking the bank. Whether you have Medicare, Medicaid, EyeMed, VSP, Aetna, or any of the other carriers we work with, we'll handle the details while you focus on your vision.
Coverage varies by plan - call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
Medicare & Medicaid: Comprehensive Eye Care for Seniors & Families
If you're 65 or older, know that Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Part B does cover certain medical eye care, such as eye exams if you have diabetes, glaucoma tests for people at higher risk, and macular degeneration tests and treatment. Some people also have Medicaid or a Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits, and what those add depends on the plan. We can help you check what's covered before your visit.
For families and children on Medicaid, New York State Medicaid's Vision Care Manual sets the usual frequency for a complete eye exam and for eyeglasses at once every two years (24 months). More frequent care can be covered when it is medically necessary and documented, for example a young person's progressing nearsightedness. If you're in a Medicaid managed care plan, the plan must cover at least those services and can add to them, and you need to see an eye doctor in its network. MetroPlus Health Plan, Fidelis Care and Healthfirst are on our list of accepted plans, but each offers more than one product, so call us to confirm we participate with yours. If your child needs an eye exam for school, or you're asking about lenses to slow myopia progression in kids ages 6 and up, check your plan for what it covers. We'll verify your specific coverage when you call.
Coverage varies by plan - call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Commercial Vision Plans: EyeMed, VSP, Aetna, Cigna & More
We accept EyeMed and VSP, two of the larger commercial vision insurance carriers in New York. If your employer or union provides vision coverage through EyeMed or VSP, you can use your benefits toward our frame collection and eye exams. What you pay out of pocket depends on your plan, so check your plan before your visit.
Aetna vision plans, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, EmblemHealth, UnitedHealthcare, Superior Vision, Healthfirst, Davis Vision, and Spectera Vision are all accepted at our Avenue U location. Each plan has different coverage limits for exams, frames, and lenses, so it's important to know what your specific plan covers before you arrive.
Coverage varies by plan - call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Union & Government Employee Plans: 1199SEIU, UFT & More
Many Brooklyn healthcare workers, teachers, and public employees benefit from specialized vision coverage through their unions or employers. We accept 1199SEIU health benefits - one of the largest healthcare union plans in New York. If you're a member or dependent, what your eye exam and frame benefit cover depends on your plan, so check your plan or call us before your visit.
Teachers in the city and retirees often have vision coverage through their contracts or pension plans. Call us directly at (718) 998-8400 to confirm your specific union or government benefits, or verify coverage when you book through Zocdoc.
Coverage varies by plan - call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Frames & Lens Options: What Your Insurance Covers
Many commercial vision plans include a frame allowance. Some let you put that allowance toward a frame that costs more and pay the difference yourself, and some don't, so check your plan. Medicaid works differently: under New York Medicaid rules, you choose from a selection of Medicaid frames, and the benefit can't be applied toward a more expensive frame with you paying the difference.
For upgrades such as progressive lenses, photochromic lenses, anti-reflective coatings or blue light options, many commercial plans cover the exam and basic lenses, and upgrades may cost extra, so check your plan. Myopia control lenses for kids ages 6 and up may also have an out-of-pocket cost. We'll explain your options before you decide.
How to Verify Your Coverage Before Your Visit
The easiest way to confirm your benefits is to book through Zocdoc, which shows real-time eligibility for most major plans. You can also call us at (718) 998-8400 and speak with our team - we speak English, Russian, and Spanish, and we've been helping Brooklyn families on Avenue U for 30+ years.
Have your insurance card handy when you call or book. We'll let you know your exam cost, frame allowance, and any out-of-pocket expenses upfront so there are no surprises.
Coverage varies by plan - call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Walk-In DMV Vision Tests: No Insurance Needed
If you're here for a DMV vision test, you don't need vision insurance - just a valid ID and the fee. We submit your results electronically through the DMV's Online Vision Registry, so you can renew online. Many Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach residents stop by on their lunch break or after work since we're open Monday through Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vision Palace Optical accept Medicaid?
Yes, we accept Medicaid. Under New York State Medicaid's Vision Care Manual, the usual frequency for a complete eye exam and for eyeglasses is once every two years (24 months), more often when medically necessary and documented. Medicaid managed care plans each have their own network, so call us to confirm we participate with your plan and to verify your coverage.
What if I have Medicare and I'm not sure if I qualify for a covered exam?
Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts. Part B covers certain medical eye care, such as eye exams if you have diabetes, glaucoma tests for people at higher risk, and macular degeneration tests and treatment. Some Medicare patients also have Medicaid, a Medicare Advantage plan or separate vision insurance, and what those add depends on the plan. Call us at (718) 998-8400 and we'll help you figure out what's covered before your visit.
Can I use my VSP or EyeMed benefits at Vision Palace Optical?
Yes, we accept both VSP and EyeMed. What your exam, frames and lenses cost you depends on your plan. Book through Zocdoc to see your real-time benefits, or call us to verify.
What if the frame I want costs more than my allowance?
It depends on your plan. Many commercial plans let you put your frame allowance toward any frame and pay the difference, but check your plan. Medicaid doesn't allow that: you choose from a selection of Medicaid frames, and a frame outside the benefit is a separate private purchase. We have frames for every budget.
Do you accept insurance for contact lens fittings?
It depends on your plan. Many vision plans include some contact lens benefit, and the contact lens fitting fee may be separate from the exam. New York Medicaid can cover contact lenses only when they are medically necessary for an eye condition, under its Vision Care Manual. Original Medicare does not cover routine exams for contact lenses. Call us to confirm your plan's coverage for contacts.
Is there a cost for the DMV vision test if I have insurance?
DMV vision tests are a separate service from eye exams and are not typically covered by vision insurance. The cost is a flat fee. Insurance doesn't apply, but we submit your results electronically through the DMV's Online Vision Registry, so you can renew online.
Book Your Eye Exam - We Accept Your Insurance
At Vision Palace Optical, we believe quality eye care should be accessible to every Brooklyn family. Whether you're covered by Medicare, Medicaid, EyeMed, VSP, Aetna, 1199SEIU, or any other plan we accept, we're here to make the process simple.
Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. Bring your insurance card and we'll take care of the rest.
Coverage varies by plan - call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
References
- New York State Medicaid Program - Vision Care Manual, Policy Guidelines. eMedNY, New York State Department of Health. Frequency limitations, eyeglass dispensing, contact lenses and Medicaid managed care enrollees.
- Eye exams (routine). Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Eye exams (for diabetes). Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.