Find yourself asking, “Does Medicare cover vision?” Here’s everything you need to know about whether or not Medicare covers vision.
Vision services are essential to eye health and are even more critical as we age. With 10,000 people each day turning age 65, millions of Americans are eligible for Medicare each year. A common question among this population is, “Does Medicare cover vision?”
Older adults experience various vision health issues such as double vision, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration. Making sure Medicare provides vision insurance is essential. In this article,
Does Medicare Cover Vision Services and Eye Exams?
The answer is yes, and no. Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or prescription glasses. However, a Medicare Advantage program usually will cover these expenses. Original Medicare does cover the cost of annual screenings for glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Original Medicare also covers the cost of diagnosing and treating severe conditions and diseases of the eye.
More Vision Insurance Options
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is similar to an HMO or PPO insurance plan. If you use an eye care provider that is in-network, you can receive additional vision insurance benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide routine eye exams and expenses not covered by Original Medicare.
The American Association of Retired Persons describes many vision problems older Americans face. One of the recommendations of AARP, vision insurance, is an option to consider. Supplemental vision insurance pays for exams, frames, and lenses.
What About Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is common among people over the age of 65. There are two types of surgical procedures for cataracts. Medicare covers both of these procedures.
The coverage provided for cataract surgery varies depending on your plan, the type of surgery your doctor performs, and whether your surgery is performed in a hospital or vision clinic. On average, your cost, aside from the physician’s fees, is between $200 and $500. What does Medicare cover? Medicare covers the remaining $1000 to $2,500.
Welcome to Medicare
The Welcome to Medicare program is one exception to the rule of no vision exam coverage. Welcome to Medicare is a preventive visit benefit you must use within your first 12 months of coverage.
Your doctor will conduct a complete medical history during your preventive visit and provide screenings for various health conditions. One of these screenings is a simple eye exam.
In addition to the eye exam, your healthcare provider will develop a written plan about other screenings, shots, and tests you might need. You may also receive the flu or pneumonia shot during this visit.
See Your Options Clearly
Does Medicare cover vision? It covers many vision care needs, such as testing and diagnosing eye health issues. You will have to pay for your regular eye exams and prescription glasses unless you have supplemental insurance.
If you qualify for Medicare but don’t know where to start, we have licensed insurance agents ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and Prescription Part D plans.