Insurance & Payment
Understanding Your Eye-Care Benefits
Insurance coverage for eye care can vary significantly by plan. We encourage you to call our office so we can help you understand what to expect before your visit.
Plans we work with
Vision
- EyeMed
- Spectera (UnitedHealthcare Vision)
- VSP (Vision Service Plan)
- Davis Vision
Medical
- AARP Health Care Options
- AARP Medicare Complete
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (including BCBSRI Medicare plans)
- Blue Cross Federal Employee Program (FEP)
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (including Medicare Advantage)
- Humana
- London Health Administrators
- Medicare
- Rhode Island Medicaid (including RIte Share)
- Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (RIte Care, INTEGRITY for Duals, Dual Connect, Neighborhood Exchange)
- TRICARE East
- TRICARE For Life
- Tufts Health Plan (RIte Care, Medicare, commercial)
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare (commercial, RIte Care, Senior Care / Medicare)
Plan participation can vary by plan. Call (401) 331-7850 to confirm your coverage before your visit.
Self-pay patients are welcome.
Call (401) 331-7850 to Confirm CoverageKnow Your Coverage
Medical vs. Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance
Vision plans typically cover routine eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses. They are designed to support preventive eye care and help offset the cost of corrective lenses and frames. Benefits and allowances vary by plan.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is generally used when a visit involves diagnosing or treating an eye health condition — such as dry eye disease, eye infections, glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease. Depending on the purpose of your visit, your provider may bill your medical plan instead of, or in addition to, your vision plan.
Some visits involve both routine and medical components. We will discuss with you how your visit will be billed before services are rendered.
Questions to Ask Your Insurer
Before your appointment, consider calling your insurance provider to ask:
- Does my plan include vision benefits, or is it medical only?
- Is Westminster Eye Care Associates an in-network provider?
- What is my copay or coinsurance for an eye exam?
- Does my plan cover contact lens fittings or evaluations?
- Is there a separate deductible for vision versus medical services?
- Are there waiting periods or frequency limitations on covered services?
- What is my annual frame or contact lens allowance?
When Calling Our Office
Having this information ready will help us confirm your coverage quickly:
- Insurance carrier name (e.g., the company name on your card)
- Member ID and group number (found on your insurance card)
- Primary insured's name and date of birth (if coverage is through a family member)
- Type of visit you are scheduling (routine exam, contact lens fitting, or a specific concern)
- Whether you have both vision and medical insurance
Payment Options
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. For questions about billing or out-of-pocket costs, our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vision insurance the same as medical insurance?
No — they are separate types of coverage. Vision insurance is designed for routine eye care, such as annual exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Medical insurance applies when your visit involves diagnosing or treating a health condition, such as an eye infection, dry eye disease, or glaucoma. Some patients carry both types. Your care team will help clarify which plan applies to your visit.
How can I confirm my benefits?
The best approach is to call both our office and your insurance provider before your appointment. Our team can help verify whether we participate in your plan; your insurer can tell you what services are covered, what your copay or deductible is, and whether referrals are required.
Should I bring my insurance cards to my appointment?
Yes. Please bring all applicable insurance cards — both vision and medical if you have them — as well as a valid photo ID. Having your cards on hand helps our team process your benefits accurately and avoids delays at check-in.
Questions About Coverage?
Our team is happy to help. Call us before your appointment and we'll do our best to clarify your benefits.
Medicaid and most insurance accepted.