LASIK Eye Surgery

[Guest loricraun]

I curious as to whether or not LASIK eye surgery or Laser Keratetomy can be considered for 125 reimbursement.

Most of the health insurers we work with disallow charges for these procedures stating that they are elective.

I am interested in the interpretations of other Cafeteria plan administrators on how they process these claims.

Thanks for your assistance.

[Joe Priselac]

Radial Keratotomy is a deductible expense under Code Section 213 therefore it is an

eligible expense under a Health FSA. The IRS view was stated in a June, 1996 private letter ruling. By the way, insurance companies are not a good indicator of what is eligible or not. There are many items that are not normaly covered by insurance that are in fact eligible for reimbursement.

[Guest RJ]

We are not covering it and unless your in an industry that "sight precision" or glasses is a huge hinderance (airlines or similar) then I would not suggest covering it. BCBS considers it experimental, as they should.

[Lisa Hand]

Joe is absolutely correct, if it is a valid medical expense under Section 213 then it can be reimbursed under the Section 125 Plan. The only impact insurance coverage or lack there of, has is in determining the amount to be reimbursed. RK, Lasik, which has been performed for the last six years, and the newer Intacs which were approved in April 1999 by the FDA, are all legal. Insurance companies are not covering them because of the expense ($2,000 - $2,500 per eye). For the administrator of a Section 125 Plan, to reimburse some and not others for the same procedure would be discriminatory and if you follow the logic of only allowing it when glasses are a problem, then contact lenses which are clearly listed as eligible medical expenses would also be disallowed.