Does Sam‘s Club Optical Take Insurance in 2024? (Comprehensive Guide)
Getting vision insurance is key to affording eye exams and eyewear these days. A visit to the optometrist can cost over $100 just for the exam, while a single pair of glasses averages around $200.
With prices like that, you want to know if you can use your vision benefits to get eye care and eyewear at Sam‘s Club Optical.
According to industry surveys, over 60% of eyeglass wearers depend on vision insurance to lower their eyecare costs. And as a membership warehouse club, Sam‘s Club is known for more affordable prices.
So does Sam‘s Club Optical accept insurance? Here‘s a detailed overview of how insurance works at Sam‘s Club Optical Centers.
Common Vision Insurance Plans Accepted at Sam‘s Club Optical
While acceptance varies by location, below are some of the more widely accepted vision insurance providers at Sam‘s Club Optical:
Avesis: Avesis vision plans are accepted at most Sam‘s Club Optical Centers. They provide routine eye exam and material coverage.
Davis Vision: This is another very common vision benefit provider accepted at many Sam‘s Club Optical locations. Davis Vision serves over 90 million members.
Superior Vision: With a network of over 35,000 eye doctors and providers, Superior Vision plans are taken at many Sam‘s Club Optical Centers nationwide.
Spectera: One of the largest vision insurance administrators in the U.S., Spectera plans are included in the coverage at most Sam‘s Club Optical locations.
March Vision: March Vision provides vision plans for federal employees and retirees, and their insurance is widely accepted.
FEP BlueVision: The Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision plan provides comprehensive eye care benefits for federal employees, annuitants, and their families, which can be used at many Sam‘s Club Opticals.
According to Sam‘s Club, they contract with many of the leading vision insurance plans to give members provider access and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Common Insurance Plans NOT Accepted at Sam‘s Club Optical
However, Sam‘s Club Optical does not accept some of the major vision insurance plans at most locations:
VSP: One of the largest vision insurance providers, VSP is typically not accepted except for select employee group plans.
EyeMed: This popular vision benefits company is generally not accepted at Sam‘s Club Optical locations.
Humana: The health insurance provider Humana also offers vision coverage, but this is not widely accepted at Sam‘s Club.
Aetna: The health insurance company Aetna‘s vision plans also have limited in-network options at Sam‘s Club.
MetLife: Another top insurance provider whose vision plans are not broadly accepted.
So if you have coverage through these insurers, check with your local Sam‘s Club Optical to confirm coverage.
Usage of Vision Insurance in the U.S.
According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults in the U.S. have some form of vision insurance. Vision plans can lower out-of-pocket eye exam costs from around $100-$200 down to a $10-$50 copay in many cases.
For eyeglass frames and lenses, insurance can reduce costs by hundreds of dollars for a single pair of glasses. No wonder so many eyeglass wearers depend on coverage!
Why Accepted Insurance Varies at Different Locations
You may wonder why Sam‘s Club Optical accepts certain insurance plans at some locations but not others.
The reason comes down to the independent optometrists who provide vision care services at Sam‘s Club Optical Centers.
These optometrists are essentially leasing space at Sam‘s Club to operate. They are not direct employees. That means each optometrist gets to choose which vision insurance plans to contract with and the fees they set.
So acceptance of your insurance depends entirely on the contracted plans of the individual optometrist at your local Sam‘s Club Optical Center.
Independent ODs give Sam‘s Club flexibility in providing eye exams and eyewear across their locations nationwide. But the downside is inconsistent insurance coverage.
Using Insurance for Eye Exams vs. Materials
When using your vision insurance at Sam‘s Club Optical, it‘s important to know what‘s covered.
Some vision plans only cover routine eye exams but not any materials like glasses or contacts.
Others may cover materials but exclude the comprehensive eye exam cost. Make sure to ask the optometrist what your plan includes.
The best plans provide coverage for both exams services and eyewear materials.
Purchasing Eyewear and Contacts with Insurance at Sam‘s Club
To buy prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contacts and use your insurance coverage at Sam‘s Club Optical, you must be a current Sam‘s Club member.
Non-members can get eye exams, but will have to pay full price out-of-pocket for any materials like lenses, frames, or contacts. A basic Sam‘s Club membership costs $45/year.
Eye Care Services Available to Members and Non-Members
The good news is you don‘t have to be a Sam‘s Club member to visit an in-store Optical Center for an eye exam, contact lens fitting, or other vision care services.
However, you do need a membership to purchase prescription glasses, sunglasses, contacts and other eyewear if you want to use your vision benefits and insurance.
Sam‘s Club Optical Provides Affordable, Quality Vision Care
In summary, Sam‘s Club Optical provides cost-effective eye exams, prescription eyewear, contacts, and more. Insurance acceptance varies based on location.
While anyone can access eye care services, a membership is required to buy eyewear using your benefits. Overall, Sam‘s Club Optical offers quality vision care and products for the whole family at member-only prices.
