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USA Today
4 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
New Article from Kugler Vision Reveals the True Cost of LASIK in Omaha and Why It May Save Patients Thousands
For individuals in Omaha considering LASIK, the conversation often begins and ends with price. But according to a new article from Kugler Vision, a leading provider of advanced vision correction procedures in Nebraska, the upfront cost of LASIK is only part of the story. The real comparison lies in understanding how LASIK stacks up against the lifetime financial burden of glasses and contact lenses—a burden that, for many, quietly adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Published by Lance Kugler, MD, 'The True Cost of LASIK in Omaha' challenges the common assumption that laser eye surgery is financially out of reach. The article reveals that the cost of LASIK in Omaha is driven by technology, the surgeon's experience, and the clinic itself. Kugler Vision stands out by offering clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees following a consultation—something that sets them apart in a market where price transparency is not always guaranteed. Each patient receives a personalized estimate following a comprehensive EyeAnalysis consultation, where the clinical team evaluates vision goals, eye health, and candidacy for modern LASIK or one of six other advanced vision correction procedures. While the initial sticker price may give some patients pause, the article emphasizes that the long-term savings of LASIK can be significant. A person who wears two-week disposable contact lenses typically spends around $1,345 per year on lenses, solution, and related supplies. Over 25 years, that cost balloons to more than $33,000—and that's before factoring in inflation. Eyeglasses aren't much better, with regular updates to frames and prescriptions adding to the financial load. In contrast, LASIK is a one-time procedure with a high satisfaction rate and the potential to eliminate dependency on corrective lenses altogether. Many patients find that the money they save after LASIK can be redirected toward other priorities—family vacations, home purchases, or savings for the future. The article also outlines how LASIK has become more financially accessible than ever before. Kugler Vision offers financing options through trusted healthcare payment partners, making it possible for patients to break the total cost into manageable monthly installments. Qualified applicants can take advantage of up to two years of interest-free financing or opt for longer-term plans with low monthly payments. This flexibility makes it easier for individuals to pursue vision correction without delaying care due to financial barriers. For those exploring ways to reduce the upfront cost further, the article suggests using funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Additionally, patients who receive tax refunds are encouraged to consider investing that money in a procedure that can offer long-term savings and freedom from glasses or contacts. In some cases, LASIK may also qualify as a tax-deductible medical expense, depending on how an individual itemizes deductions. Kugler Vision advises patients to speak with a tax professional to explore this potential benefit. Kugler Vision's commitment to patient-centered care extends beyond cost transparency. The article emphasizes that value is not just about price—it's also about the quality of care, technology used, and overall patient experience. Led by Dr. Lance Kugler, the Omaha team utilizes advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment to provide customized LASIK treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. Their approach includes thorough pre-operative assessments, top-tier surgical precision, and attentive post-operative care, which collectively contribute to high satisfaction rates and consistently excellent outcomes. In a field where some clinics advertise unusually low LASIK prices, Kugler Vision urges patients to proceed with caution. Lower price tags may sometimes reflect older technology, less experienced surgeons, or inadequate follow-up care—all of which can affect both safety and results. Kugler Vision's article reinforces that the true cost of LASIK should be evaluated in terms of value, not just price. Choosing a provider based solely on the lowest quote may carry unintended risks that compromise long-term satisfaction and visual outcomes. Patients interested in learning more about the financial side of LASIK or exploring their eligibility are encouraged to schedule a consultation at Kugler Vision. The article makes it clear that affordability is not a barrier when the right information, resources, and support systems are in place. In today's economy, where every dollar counts, understanding the long-term impact of vision correction costs has never been more important. To read 'The True Cost of LASIK in Omaha' or to access Kugler Vision's LASIK affordability calculator, visit For interview requests, additional information, or expert commentary on the economics of laser vision correction, members of the media are invited to contact the Kugler Vision team directly.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The March FSA deadline is almost here: 35 surprising things you can buy with your money
If you're one of the lucky people who has a grace period for using your Flexible Spending Account money, that date is quickly approaching: March 15 is the use-it-or-lose-it deadline. If you didn't spent all your FSA cash in 2024, you could now officially lose it. But if you don't have any medical bills left to pay and you're all stocked up on the usual suspects — glasses, contacts, prescriptions, over-the-counter meds — there are tons of other FSA-eligible items you may not be aware of. Plus, it gives you a reason to splurge on yourself. (Who wouldn't want that?) Surprisingly, FSA dollars can be spent on big ticket items like treadmills, massage guns and light therapy devices. You can even shop at Amazon or several other stores with your money — there are designated FSA shops on most major retailers' websites with a slew of eligible items. Not sure what to buy? Keep reading for some of our favorite FSA-eligible health-care product picks. During open enrollment, many employers give workers the option to sign up for a Flexible Spending Account, also known as a flexible spending arrangement. This account allows you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical-related expenses and products. For 2024, you could contribute up to $3,200 (it's now up to $3,300 for 2025), per the IRS. Employers could also match up to $3,200, for a max of $6,400. Unlike a health savings account, funds from your FSA typically don't roll over into the next year, though some plans allowed up to $660 to be carried over into 2025, so it's worth checking. If you're one of the lucky few with rolled over money, your grace period is coming to an end on March 15. Otherwise, any amount you've saved needs to be spent before the end of the year on qualifying expenses so you don't lose it. Keep your FSA card handy, because there are a ton of stores where you can shop. They include: FSA store Amazon FSA store Walmart FSA shop Target FSA shop Walgreens FSA store These days, health-related products truly run the gamut, and you can even pay for some shiny new tech with your tax-free dollars. Even better, many of the products below have been vetted by Yahoo experts, including the Renpho massage gun, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill and the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Associated Press
06-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ABC Fitness and Truemed partner to unlock healthcare funds for eligible fitness investments
Dallas, Texas, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABC Fitness, a global leader in fitness technology solutions, has announced a new partnership with Truemed, a healthcare payment provider that enables eligible Americans to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for qualified medical expenses. This partnership is set to broaden access to root-cause health interventions, making fitness for eligible Americans more financially attainable through ABC Fitness' network of nearly 10,000 gyms and studios in the US. Through this collaboration, tens of millions of Americans could qualify to have their fitness expenses paid in new ways, leveraging pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts. With many Americans having a legitimate medical need to have greater access to health and fitness services, this initiative allows for more of them to prioritize their health without some of the financial barriers. Khal Rai, President, ABC Fitness said: 'Partnering with Truemed allows us to make fitness more accessible to qualifying individuals by removing barriers and leveling the playing field. Now, more gyms and studios in the US can provide a more convenient process for members to qualify to use pre-tax funds for their gym memberships, training programs, and other qualified services—empowering them to take control of their health in a more affordable way.' ABC Fitness is the largest fitness tech company in the US, supporting fitness businesses across all 50 states, spanning metropolitan, urban, and suburban communities. With this partnership, access to fitness services will be unmatched, enabling more Americans than ever before to visit the gym and invest in their health. Truemed works by partnering with brands, merchants, and a network of healthcare practitioners to evaluate customers' eligibility for HSA/FSA use, potentially allowing them to use their pre-tax funds for qualifying gym memberships, fitness programs, and other qualified health-related expenses. 'At Truemed, we believe that being healthy should be accessible and affordable for everyone,' said Justin Mares, Founder, Truemed. 'By teaming up with ABC Fitness, we're making it easier than ever for qualified Americans to use the money they've already set aside for health expenses to invest in their fitness. The future of healthcare is proactive, and fitness is a key part of that equation.' This partnership reinforces ABC Fitness and Truemed's shared commitment to making healthy living more attainable for all. As the fitness and healthcare industries continue to evolve, this collaboration represents a major step toward integrating health investments into everyday life, ensuring that more Americans can take advantage of the benefits of exercise without financial strain. To learn more about how this partnership can benefit your gym or fitness business, visit About ABC Fitness ABC Fitness is the number one technology provider for fitness businesses everywhere. Simplifying club and member management for 40+ years via scalable solutions, ABC Fitness' innovations transform fitness visions into seamless reality. From personal trainers, boutique studios, and gyms, to international franchise health clubs, ABC Fitness provides the technology and industry insights needed to move your business forward. ABC Fitness currently supports more than 40 million members and 30K+ fitness businesses globally, processing over $12 billion in payments every year. Learn more at About Truemed
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Organic & Natural Health Association Endorses Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary, Calls for Senate Support
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Organic & Natural Health Association (Organic & Natural Health) is calling on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Senate Finance Committee to support the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The organization asserts that HHS leadership must align with principles of transparency, accessibility, traceability, and continuous quality improvement to drive meaningful healthcare reform. 'Serious change needs to occur if we are to address the underlying reasons for the epidemic of chronic health disease. All voices need to be evaluated and heard,' said Karen Howard, CEO and executive director of Organic & Natural Health. 'Pharmaceuticals have done much to transform the health and well-being of people, but our system does not account for the power of nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle changes, and consumer education.' Organic & Natural Health contends that the current healthcare system prioritizes disease treatment over prevention, failing to recognize the cost savings of proactive health measures. Programs that prevent chronic disease are seen solely as expenses, and dietary supplements remain ineligible for reimbursement under Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans. The organization highlights deficiencies in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which does not allow purchases of essential nutrients such as vitamin D3 or medical foods for disease management. Additionally, the lack of collaboration on environmental health factors, such as clean water, air quality, and pesticide use, highlights the need for reform.'The financial model of our healthcare system is fundamentally flawed,' said Howard. 'There is no money to be made in teaching people how to eat well, or in preventing disease. Government budgets do not score savings from prevention strategies, only the costs of disease management. True reform requires bold leadership that is committed to transparency and willing to challenge the status quo.' Organic & Natural Health also recognizes the intersection of the Department of Agriculture and HHS in shaping public health policy. The organization views Kennedy's leadership as pivotal in fostering collaboration and addressing systemic challenges in healthcare and nutrition policy. At its annual conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 22, Organic & Natural Health hosted political strategist Dick Morris, a former advisor to President Bill Clinton and an advisor to President Donald Trump. After a robust exchange of ideas regarding how to improve the safety of the agriculture and food system, Morris emphasized the opportunities for the natural health industry within the new organization will continue these discussions through its 'Table of Truth' salon series, private dinner events held in conjunction with major industry conferences throughout the year. These dinners will facilitate dialogue among industry leaders on transparency, supply chain integrity, environmental health, and public policy, with the goal of advancing consumer and corporate responsibility in health and & Natural Health is dedicated to driving policy change that prioritizes prevention, transparency, and consumer health. Industry leaders, brands, and organizations are invited to join the movement and support this mission at A video is available athttps:// Photos accompanying this announcement are available at CONTACT: Media Contact: Amy Summers 212-757-3419 | amy@ Pitch Publicity®Sign in to access your portfolio
