Can the military pay for your Lasik procedure? Also, I have a tattoo on my arm that would be exposed when I wear my uniform, would they pay for the removal?
2007-07-29 19:59:25 · 9 answers · asked by inherunderwear 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Lasik - as the others have said, first you have waiting lists and then testing. And then more waiting lists! If you are chosen for the surgery, you will have to pay for the transportation to that location, plus your own hotel/tlf and meal expenses. The military will pay for the surgery, but all of the other expenses are on you.
Hubby is currently on the list to get the testing done, and we've already looked into our share of costs to get to the nearest military medical facility that does the surgery. Not every base hospital does it, only a small handfull.
2007-07-29 23:12:58 · answer #1 · answered by usafbrat64 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the military will pay for your lasik if you are active duty.
The only thing is you must make an appointment, get perscription & put your name on the list, the list can be a long one depending on your m.o.s. Then you have to submit a package to your command about the lasik for approval. Tattoo?? I read in military magazine that some military hospitals are removing them, check yours and also i think that the tattoos were gang related so ask your doctor.
2007-07-30 05:54:16 · answer #2 · answered by CHUCKY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the military will pay for Lasik or PRK. Surgeries are prioritized by career field. Pilots are tier 1 followed by Special Ops, and then everybody else. I think thats how it goes. SpecOps might be tier one followed by pilots. Anyway, if you're not either of those 2 then you'll be in the lowest priority group. You have to get an eye exam first, then the doc will review your records. If you qualify, an application is sent to you to fill out. Then it goes to your commander for approval. Commander approval is required because you're not deployable for one to four months (depending on the procedure--one month for Lasik and four months for PRK). Once the commander signs off on it, you are placed on a waiting list. At my base, the wait is about 2 months. Then you go to the nearest military hospital that performs the surgery, in my case, that is Wilford Hall at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. Since the procedure is strictly voluntary, the military won't pay for the trip, just the procedure. You'll have to foot the bill for your lodging and food costs during the 7 to 10 days you are there. If you aren't in the military yet, wait until you're done with all your basic training and technical schools before you try to get it done. You might also have to wait until any OJT or upgrade training is completed, as well. Get with your supervisor when you get to your duty station.
I don't have any tattoos. I have no idea about removal. As long as your tat isn't offensive or drug related or something, you shouldn't have to worry about it.
2007-07-30 03:17:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will give you an honest answer. For the lasik procedure, you have to sign up for it while you are in the military. Once you sign up you will be put on a waiting list. Just because you are on a waiting list does not mean that you will have it done. They will have to do several test to see if you are qualified. And as for the tattoo, the policies have recently changed. You can have tattoo's anywhere on your body, it doesn't matter if it shows throught your uniform or not. Just as long as they are not offensive. And no the military will not pay to have them removed.
2007-07-29 22:38:38 · answer #4 · answered by lilg_6684 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only time the military will pay for lasik is if you are in a career field where your wearing glasses or contacts could cause safety issues or interfere with your ability to perform your duty. Pilots have minimal vision requirments and are not allowed to wear glasses. Many other jobs that require you to wear safety goggles also qualify for lasik. As for the tatoo, since you had it prior to enlisting, it should be fine as long as the content is allowable. The only ones they may require you to remove is something on your face...and that would be at your cost.
2007-07-30 00:57:23 · answer #5 · answered by Annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will pay for PRK surgery for pilot candidates, but not lasik. And when I say "pay for" I mean you go to a military doctor of the Air Force's choice to get it done. Lasik is an automatic disqualifier on a Class 1 flight physical (last I checked), so you can't be a pilot. Anyone else CAN get Lasik, but you pay for it yourself. Don't know about the tatoos. Now, if you want fake boobs, I know a few airmen who got those on the taxpayer's tab. Crazy if you ask me.
2007-07-30 05:29:26 · answer #6 · answered by Gretch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For Lasik surgery you would go on a waiting list, but to even make the list you have to be within a certain range to be considered. Meaning you would have very bad vision to even make the list. As for the tattoo, if it doesn't break any of the tattoo regs, but what you are probably would have to worry about the reg that states the tattoo cannot be more than 1/4 of the area shown. If it doesn't break that then you wouldn't have to have it removed. Now if you want to have it removed that is probably going to be on your own dime.
2007-07-29 23:08:56 · answer #7 · answered by JASiege 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found this to be a great article with some useful military links within it that have great added in depth information!
From the article:
"How To Qualify For Surgery
Military policies concerning LASIK and other refractive surgeries changes frequently, so individuals interested in refractive surgery should consult with a military administrator prior to receiving surgery. In the past, individuals who aspired to become active members of the military placed on active duty were not able to do so if they had laser surgery before becoming an active duty member. This actually served as a disqualifier for many.
However, there are instances where individuals may obtain a waiver allowing them to participate as an active duty member. For people already enlisted in the military, like members of the Air Force, many times the military compensates members for laser eye surgery. That's right… if you currently serve in the air force, you may get PRK surgery free. So consult with your advisor to find out what your status is today. If you can take advantage of refractive surgery, and all it has to offer, then do so.
You will have to follow certain rules and regulations to apply for free PRK surgery. Remember there are also limited jobs available for active duty members that have PRK surgery. For more information, you should consult with an Air Force or other military medical facility. A commander should have the information you need including details on the military's waiver policies."
See sources below I hope everything works out for you!
2007-08-02 13:00:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no need to remove your tattoo, and as far as vision, if your vision does not pass a qualification test, u cant be an active flight pilot.
2007-07-29 20:10:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋