Navigating insurance for keratoconus care can be confusing — especially when specialty contact lenses and medical evaluations are involved. At Keratoconus Specialists of Maryland, we work with a number of major medical and vision insurance plans to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. However, every plan is different, and coverage for keratoconus-related services varies widely depending on your specific policy.
We encourage all patients to contact us before their appointment so we can help verify your benefits and give you a clear picture of what to expect financially.
Medical Insurance Plans Accepted
Keratoconus is a medical condition, and many services at our practice — including comprehensive medical eye evaluations and specialist consultations — may be covered under your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. We currently accept the following medical insurers:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Medicare
- UnitedHealthcare
Don’t see your plan? Contact our office at (410) 469-7111 — we can often work with additional plans on a case-by-case basis.
Vision Insurance Plans Accepted
Vision insurance can help offset the cost of your contact lens evaluation and, in some cases, a portion of specialty lens fees. We accept the following vision plan:
- VSP (Vision Service Plan)
Important: Standard vision insurance benefits are designed for routine eyecare and may not fully cover the cost of scleral lenses, PROSE devices, or other specialty lens technologies used in keratoconus management. We will clearly explain what your vision plan covers before any fees are incurred.
Flexible Payment Plans with CareCredit
We understand that specialty lens care is an investment — and that insurance doesn’t always cover everything. That’s why we accept CareCredit, a healthcare financing option that allows you to pay for your care over time rather than all at once.
CareCredit offers:
- 0% interest financing on qualifying purchases when paid within the promotional period
- Extended payment plan options for larger balances, allowing you to spread costs over a longer term
- A quick online application with an instant credit decision
For many keratoconus patients, CareCredit makes it possible to move forward with the right lens solution without delay — even when insurance coverage falls short. Ask our team about CareCredit at your appointment, or apply in advance at carecredit.com.
Financing Available Through
CareCredit
0% interest options & long-term payment plans
Understanding Coverage for Specialty Lenses
One of the most common questions we receive is: “Will my insurance cover scleral lenses?” The honest answer is: it depends — and we want to make sure you have accurate expectations before your visit.
Here is how coverage generally works for keratoconus-related lens care:
Medical Insurance
Your medical plan may cover diagnostic evaluations, corneal topography, and specialist consultations related to your keratoconus diagnosis. These services are typically billed separately from any lens fitting fees. Depending on your plan, some insurers also provide coverage toward specialty scleral lenses — particularly when standard glasses or soft contact lenses are no longer giving you the vision you need. We will help you understand what your plan includes before any costs are incurred.
Vision Insurance
Vision benefits vary widely by plan. Some VSP plans include an allowance that can be applied toward specialty contact lens fittings. However, advanced lens technologies such as wavefront scleral lenses, EyePrintPro, and PROSE are typically not fully reimbursed through standard vision benefits alone.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
For services not covered by insurance, we will provide a transparent breakdown of fees in advance. Many patients find that investing in the right lens fitting — even with partial out-of-pocket costs — eliminates years of frustration with lenses that never quite worked. CareCredit financing is available if you need flexibility. We are happy to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance & Keratoconus
Is keratoconus considered a medical condition by insurance companies?
Yes. Keratoconus is recognized as a medical condition by major insurance carriers, which means evaluations and services related to your keratoconus diagnosis are typically billed through your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. This distinction matters — medical coverage often provides broader benefits for diagnostic testing, specialist consultations, and in some cases, medically necessary contact lenses.
Will my insurance cover scleral lenses?
It depends on your specific plan and what your insurer considers eligible for coverage. Our team will work with you to verify your benefits and, when appropriate, submit documentation to support your claim. We cannot guarantee coverage, but we will do everything we can to maximize your benefits.
What is the difference between using my medical vs. vision insurance for this visit?
Medical insurance covers conditions and treatments related to the health of your eye — including keratoconus evaluations, corneal topography, and medically necessary contact lenses. Vision insurance typically covers routine eyecare such as annual exams and standard eyeglass or contact lens allowances. For keratoconus patients, medical insurance is usually the more relevant benefit, though both may apply at different points in your care.
Do you accept Medicare for keratoconus care?
Yes, we accept Medicare. Medicare Part B covers certain medical eye care services, which may include diagnostic evaluations for keratoconus. However, Medicare generally does not cover contact lenses or specialty lens fittings. Patients with Medicare should expect that lens-related costs will likely be an out-of-pocket expense. We will review your specific coverage with you before your visit so there are no surprises. CareCredit financing is available to help manage those costs.
What if I have a plan that is not listed?
Our accepted plan list is not exhaustive. We work with additional insurers not listed here and are happy to check your specific plan. Please call our office at (410) 469-7111 or use our contact form and a team member will verify your coverage before your appointment.
Do you offer any options for patients without insurance coverage?
Yes. We accept CareCredit, which offers 0% interest financing on qualifying purchases and extended long-term payment plan options. If you are uninsured or your plan does not cover certain services, we will provide a full fee breakdown before your visit so there are no surprises. We are committed to transparency and will help you understand all available options.
Have Questions About Your Coverage?
Our team is happy to verify your insurance benefits before your visit — just give us a call or send us a message. Dr. Benjamin Azman and our staff will make sure you have a clear picture of your costs before your appointment.
