Does Medicare Cover Vision Care?
In general, Original Medicare—also called Part A and Part B—doesn’t cover the costs of routine eye exams and eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, The answer to the question of whether Medicare covers vision is not always a straightforward one.
There are some instances when Medicare covers diagnostic and preventive eye care. For example, Medicare generally pays for eye exams and treatment if you have diabetes or are at risk of glaucoma.
Similarly, if you’ve had a cataract surgery that involves implanting an intraocular lens, Medicare covers one pair of eyeglasses or lenses post-surgery.
What Eye Care Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare coverage will generally cover the following services:
- An eye exam to diagnose a medical condition, such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Routine screenings and preventive treatments for diabetes
- Treatment of infection or injury to the eye
- Specialized lenses prescribed by your doctor to help you see better, if you have had cataract surgery
- One pair of glasses or contact lenses after you have had a cataract procedure involving an intraocular lens
What Eye Care Is Not Covered?
Medicare rarely covers routine vision care, including:
– Eye exams for updating eyeglasses or contact lenses prescriptions
– The cost of glasses or contact lenses
– Lasik surgery and other corrective vision treatments.
Medicare will not cover the costs associated with routine eye exams and eyewear, but some exceptions exist. Be sure to check with your doctor first and review your Medicare plan carefully so you can make the most informed decision about your vision care coverage.
How Can I Get Vision Coverage?
Option 1: Consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan for better vision coverage. These plans often include more vision benefits, like routine eye exams and eyewear coverage. Plus, many vision specialists participate in Medicare Advantage programs, making it simpler to find an in-network provider.
But before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan specifically for vision coverage, you’ll want to research. There may be restrictions on what your plan will cover, such as a limit on the number of eye exams, or the plan may have a separate premium. It’s essential to read the fine print and understand the costs involved.
Options 2: Many insurance companies like Cigna, Aetna, and Mutual of Omaha may offer a stand-alone vision insurance plan.
Bottom Line
Medicare covers specific vision diagnostic and preventive services, such as glaucoma screenings and cataract surgeries. However, original Medicare does not cover routine care, such as eye exams or eyeglasses.
To get more comprehensive coverage for your vision needs, you may want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. Be sure to read the fine print and understand
Sources: Medicare.gov – AARP – WebMD
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