How Retirees Can Save Big on EyeglassesWATCH SEGMENT ON KFOR-TV A new pair of specs can run you a pretty penny. You can easily spend $200 for a basic pair, but if you want designer frames or need bifocal or progressive lenses the price can more than double. Here are a few different options that can help you save. Medicare/Insurance Coverage Many of these plans, which are sold through private insurance companies, cover vision as well as dental, hearing and prescription drugs, in addition to all of your hospital and medical insurance. To locate Advantage plans in your area that provides vision coverage, visit Medicare.gov/find-a-plan or call 800-633-4227. But before enrolling in a plan, check the benefit details to ensure the plan’s vision coverage includes routine eye exams, eyeglass frames and lenses. You can switch from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan each year during the open enrollment period, which is between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. If, however, you don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan, you can still get coverage by purchasing an inexpensive vision insurance policy – see eHealthInsurance.com. Policy costs vary depending on where you live, but they usually start at around $6 to $9 per month for an individual. Before signing up, make sure your savings potential is worth the cost of the premiums and copays. Discount Stores You also need to find out if you are eligible for any discounts. Many retailers provide discounts to membership groups like AARP and AAA. AARP members, for example, can get 30 percent off a pair of prescription eyeglasses as well as discounts on eye exams at any LensCrafters, most participating Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical, JCPenney Optical and thousands of private optometrist offices. Look Online Or, for a fancier choice of frames see WarbyParker.com, which offers single-vision glasses for $95. They even offer a free program where you can request up to five pairs to try on at home for five days. To purchase glasses online, you’ll need your eyeglass prescription from a local eye doctor, plus your pupillary distance number, which is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils in each eye. Low-Income Assistance You may also be able to get free eyeglasses through New Eyes (new-eyes.org, 973-376-4903), a nonprofit organization that provides free eyeglasses through a voucher program to people in financial need. |