Understanding what is covered by Medicare can be difficult. If you are having difficultly understanding if eyeglasses are covered continue reading.

The number of Americans enrolled in Medicare has tripled over the past five decades. Yet, there’s a lot of confusion regarding what Medicare covers and how it works.

Take eye exams, for instance. Original Medicare doesn’t cover this service, but some Medicare Advantage Plans pay for routine checkups and corrective lenses. Both plans cover ophthalmologic services that are considered necessary from a medical standpoint.

The same goes for Eyeglasses. Depending on your Medicare plan, this service may or may not be covered. That’s why it’s recommended to discuss with your options with a licensed advisor before choosing a plan.

Interested to find out more? Here’s what you should know about Medicare and eyeglass prescriptions.

Medicare and Eye Care

Medical professionals recommend seniors to get a complete eye exam every year. Those with eye conditions may need to see an ophthalmologist more often. Even if you have good eyesight, you should still get your eyes checked regularly.

This brings up the question: does Medicare cover eye care?

The answer depends on what kind of coverage you have. Routine eye exams are not covered under Original Medicare, meaning that you must pay out of pocket. 

Medicare Part B, on the other hand, provides coverage for vision services under certain conditions. For example, you can get a yearly eye checkup if you’re at risk for glaucoma or diabetes-related eye problems.

Another option is to sign up for Medicare Advantage Plans, such as Medicare Part C. This type of coverage costs more, but it pays for vision and dental care.

Does Medicare Cover Eyeglasses?

As mentioned above, Original Medicare doesn’t cover vision services, including eyeglasses.

Medicare Part B helps pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses if you’ve had an intraocular lens inserted during cataract surgery. This option covers either one set of contact lenses or one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames.

With this plan, you’ll pay 20% of the amount approved for corrective lenses. Just make sure you purchase them from a supplier enrolled in the program.

If you need eyeglasses for astigmatism or other vision problems that are not covered under Medicare Part B, consider choosing a different plan. In addition to annual eye exams, some Medicare Advantage Plans pay for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Take the time to research your options before making a decision. Not all Medicare Advantage Plans cover the cost of eyeglasses. A licensed advisor can assess your needs and help you choose the right coverage plan.

Learn More about Paying for Eyeglasses

Medicare offers several options and may seem confusing to those who are not familiar with it. If you wear eyeglasses or have vision problems, choose a Medicare plan with extra vision coverage. Otherwise, you’re on your own.