Tips For Insurance & Cost Management For Dry Eye Disease

When you've been diagnosed with chronic dry eye disease, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. For starters, there are so many possible reasons behind dry eye, and it can take time to find the root cause. There are also myriad treatment options, which you'll likely need to use long term.

Not sure where to start? Ahead, find tips for handling insurance and managing costs while treating dry eye disease.

Although navigating health insurance can feel like a full-time job, it doesn't need to be that way. Here's how to break down your insurance plan so you can stay in the know.

While you're at it, pay attention to sections related to eye care and prescription medication, as they'll apply to your dry eye treatment.

Ask about the process for obtaining coverage, covered medications, and necessary documents, if any. And don't forget to take notes!

For dry eye specifically, "there may be different formulary alternatives within the same classification of dry eye medications," shares Vicky Wong, O.D., optometrist and president of the Maryland Optometric Association. In this case, you and your doc will be able to choose treatments more likely to be covered. 

Make sure any prior authorizations are in place before picking up your medication. Otherwise, you'll have to pay out of pocket.

To get the most out of your insurance and better manage costs, here's what you can do.

In turn, you'll be able to reduce how much you pay for medical costs out of pocket.

Your eye care provider can recommend the best frequency for you.

This will help you avoid extra charges and ensure you don't have to pay out of pocket.

Remember, you and your eye care provider are a team. By taking the time to collaborate, you'll be able to find the most cost-effective treatment possible. Ahead, check out some tips for getting started. 

Plus, "procedure-based dry eye treatment may [sometimes] be more cost effective vs. monthly medication refills," says Wong. Your provider can let you know if you're a good candidate for any procedures and help you compare the costs.

You can also request specific lifestyle changes for your symptoms, which will help you get the most out of treatment and prevent future issues. Many lifestyle changes are also inexpensive, helping you save you money in the long run.

This can take place at your routine eye checkups or between appointments, depending on your situation.

When it comes to eye care and dry eye treatment, there are several resources that can help you save money—you just need to know where to look.

Not sure where to find these programs? Check the manufacturer's website, or ask your doctor.

But take note: These programs have their own network of pharmacies, which might be different from your insurance plan's. Always check before filling a prescription.

Some organizations that might offer financial support include NeedyMeds, EyeCare America, and VSP Vision.

Local community centers and eye care clinics might also provide free or low-cost checkups during certain times of the year.

Depending on your income or medical needs, you might qualify for state or federal programs that offer assistance for eye care medication.

When paying for services or treatments, there are several things you can do to save money.

But be sure to check with your doctor first. Overall, "generic drops are less shelf stable and aren't as effective as brand-name drops," notes Wong. "This is because some medications [have] a suspension base and can separate in the bottle."

Use online tools like SingleCare and PharmacyChecker to find the best deal for your prescriptions.

To do this without wasting money, ask your doctor if they can provide samples of medications. This will give you a chance to try a treatment without the initial cost.

When it comes to medications for chronic conditions, many insurance plans allow you to buy enough meds for three months, says Wong. This "is a perfectly appropriate amount of time to stock up for. Any [longer] and you'd lose track of expiration dates," she notes.

You might be able to score a better deal through mail-order pharmacies. Plus, this option is more convenient, especially for long-term medications.

Let's be real: Treating dry eye disease (or any condition, really) can be hard on your bank account. But by understanding your insurance coverage, using cost-saving strategies, and looking for assistance programs, you can make your treatment more affordable. While you're at it, don't hesitate to talk to your eye care provider about financial concerns. They can point you in the right direction and ensure you get the treatment you need.