Insurance Changes

To our valued patients,

We are writing you to make you aware that as of January 1, 2023, we will be an out-of-network provider for EyeMed and Vision Service Plan (VSP). Even as an out-of-network provider, you will still be able to use your out-of-network vision benefits at Highland Eye Boutique. We will still be providers for most medical insurance plans including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and more.

As you may know, my husband and I started Highland Eye Boutique 12 years ago with the goal of providing the best eyecare and optical products in a way that was different than other medical settings, and certainly much better than the big box optical locations.

Unfortunately, most vision plans have continually reduced our reimbursements for services and products (in my 18 years of practice, I have only seen them decrease, regardless of economic inflation). And just like you and other businesses, we are experiencing escalating costs to run the practice. Also, vision plans are trying to direct us to order products they prefer, which may not always be the best ones for you. In turn, this has made it increasingly difficult for us to provide you with the service and products you expect and deserve and still meet the insurance companies’ demands to remain an in-network provider.

The good news is we have come up with ways for you to continue to come to Highland Eye Boutique for your eyecare needs:

We are still providers on most medical insurance plans, which cover eye care visits when you have common eye conditions, such as floaters, itchy/dry/red eyes, diabetes, monitoring for glaucoma, cataracts, eyelid bumps, etc. If none of these apply and you just need an updated prescription, you can still use your out-of-network vision plan benefits for your visit.

For glasses and contacts, by cutting out the “middleman” of insurance, we will be able to reduce and simplify our pricing structure January 1, 2023. This will reduce the cost to you PLUS you will be able to use your out-of-network vision plan benefits on top of that! In the end, you may very well pay close to the same as you would have through an in-network plan.

With our contact lens manufacturer rebates, many annual supplies of contacts lenses are less than online retailers. Another bonus is you can submit for out-of-network benefits on top of that.

You can use your HSA/FSA money for both services and products.

We will provide you with an invoice that contains the information that you will need to file for reimbursement from your insurance provider for out-of-network benefits. We will try to supply you with the reimbursement forms and have portions pre-filled to make it easier for you.

We will continue to offer new products and services that will offer you the best value for you and your family.

We did not arrive at this decision lightly and we will make every effort to make this transition as simple as possible. We stand ready to answer any questions you may have.

We thank you for being part of our family, and we look forward to continuing to provide the eyecare and products you have come to expect from us!

Dr. Kristie Bennett and the Highland Eye team