As you age, it’s essential to keep your eyes healthy even if you don’t currently wear glasses. Original Medicare does not pay for eye exams, including glasses, but Medicare Advantage offers plans that cover regular eye check-ups and other services.

A few important reminders

●     Eye exams can detect other severe health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

●     The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults over the age of 65 have their vision checked at least once a year.

●     Remember to ask your doctor which tests and screenings are covered under your Medicare plan.

What does Medicare pay for vision care?

You might be wondering: does Medicare pay for eye exams, eyeglasses, and other forms of eye care?

Talking about Original Medicare, it is important to remember that it consists of two parts: Part A and Part B (hospital and medical insurance). Neither Part A nor Part B of Original Medicare covers the cost of glasses, contact lenses, or routine eye exams. Part B may pay for certain preventive services, including an annual eye exam, but only in certain cases. Under normal circumstances, Medicare Original pays $0 for vision care.

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage (Part C), which could be a replacement of Original Medicare for you, may offer additional coverage for routine eye care and the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check with your plan provider to verify your coverage options. Retirees looking to maximize their current plan with options such as eye exams and eyeglasses can consult a reliable Medicare advisor. Hella Health’s smart advisor provides an unbiased and personalized assessment of your Medicare coverage needs, taking into account all of your current health conditions and medications. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

If you’re enrolled in Part A or Part B of Original Medicare, you need to know that it doesn’t cover a comprehensive routine eye exam. An exception will be if your doctor says this is medically necessary to treat or prevent an illness or injury, such as:

–       Diabetes;

–       Age-related muscular degeneration;

–       Glaucoma;

–       Cataract;

In this case, Part B would probably come in and cover the costs. Part B actually covers diagnostic tests like glaucoma screenings and dilated eye exams related to other health problems. Remember that you still have to pay 20% of the bill since Part B is not 100% free.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) typically cover routine eye exams. These Medicare vision plans are offered by private insurance companies that have a contract with Medicare. You pay your Part B premium to Medicare, and then you also pay a monthly premium to the private insurer for your Part C coverage.

What is Medicare coverage for eyeglasses?

As we already mentioned, Part A and Part B of Original Medicare do not cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, retirees should pay out of pocket for them.

However, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) often cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check with your plan provider to see available coverage. When you are not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, there are some other options available to help cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. For example, some private insurance plans offer vision coverage, and you can also purchase a standalone vision plan to help cover the costs.

Does Medicare pay for eyeglasses for diabetics?

If you have diabetes, it’s vital to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Therefore, Medicare covers eye exams and eyeglasses for diabetics when it is medically necessary. Part A will also pay for certain vision services and supplies related to a hospital stay.

Medicare Advantage plans can also help you with routine eye care, as well as the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you’re enrolled, ask how you can benefit from eyeglasses and eye exam coverage for diabetics.

Who accepts Medicare for eyeglasses?

There are several optometrists, ophthalmologists, and vision centers that accept Medicare. You can find national and regional retailers accepting Medicare when you check in for an eye exam or get a new pair of glasses. You can also ask for a list of accepted insurance plans from your chosen establishment or optometrist. Some of these establishments also allow for online ordering and contactless pick-up or delivery of your glasses.

Look for optical centers that take Medicare

There are a few national optical centers that accept Medicare. The easiest way to check whether the provider of your choice accepts Medicare is to check its website to see if Medicare is listed as an accepted insurance plan. Also, be sure to check the service coverage to make sure your specific needs will be met at this specific establishment.

Where do I find a Medicare eye doctor list?

There are a few different places where you can find lists of Medicare eye doctors. You can start by visiting the website of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. You can also use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to find doctors who accept Medicare. When using it, be sure to select “eye care” as your type of provider. You can also contact the Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Bottom line

Even if you are happy with the condition of your eyes, it’s crucial to stay on top of your eye health. Regular eye exams can help catch problems early before they cause severe damage. And, if it turns out you need glasses or contact lenses, Medicare can help with the cost. Be sure to check with your plan provider to see what coverage is available. A standalone plan can cover the cost of any additional routine eye care. With a bit of research, you can find the right coverage for you.