Does Medicare Pay For Eyeglasses For Diabetics

Does Medicare Cover Treatment Of Macular Degeneration

Medicare Part B will cover certain diagnostic tests and treatment of diseases and conditions of the eye, which include treatment with certain injected drugs. Some people with age-related macular degeneration are covered by Medicare. You would be responsible for 20% of Medicare-approved amounts for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the eye after the Part B deductible is applied.

Resources For Eye Care Exams And Glasses: How To See More And Pay Less

Cost can sometimes be a barrier to proper eye care, but a variety of programs offer free or low-cost eye exams and other resources. Are you eligible?

Most people rely on their sight every day, making eye care essential to our health. For people with diabetes, annual dilated eye exams are especially necessary to catch early signs of eye disease. But eye care can be expensive: adults with diabetes report that associated cost or a lack of insurance are some of the main reasons for not receiving eye care in the past year. While cost may prohibit people with diabetes from getting vital care, there are many programs that offer free or low-cost eye exams and glasses. Given the added financial burdens that so many people are facing as a result of COVID-19, weve built a list of resources designed to help people with diabetes and support those experiencing vision loss.

Note: to qualify for many of these resources, you or your family will need to meet certain criteria. Each organization has different requirements which weve done our best to lay out but be sure to check each website!

1. EyeCare America

EyeCare America offers medical eye exams to qualifying people in the United States, often with no out-of-pocket cost. Two main programs are included in EyeCare America: the Seniors Program and the Glaucoma Program.

2. Lions Club International

Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B will pay for corrective eyeglass lenses after youve had cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant.

However, this doesnt mean your glasses are completely free. You will pay 20 percent of the cost for your eyeglasses, and your Part B deductible applies. A couple of stipulations include:

• youll pay additional costs for upgraded frames
• you must purchase the eyeglasses from a Medicare-enrolled supplier

If you lose or break these glasses, Medicare wont pay for new ones. Medicare only pays for one new pair of eyeglasses per lifetime, per eye you have surgery on. So, if you have surgery to correct one eye, you can get a pair of eyeglasses at that time. If you have cataract surgery on another eye at a later time, you can get another new pair of eyeglasses.

Read Also: How Much Medicare Is Taken Out Of Social Security Check

Help With Vision Care Expenses

A person may qualify for Medicaid, depending on their income and resources. Medicaid covers medically necessary eye care, including treatment for eye injuries and conditions. Routine eye exams are not typically included, but Medicaid does cover eye exams that a doctor deems medically necessary.

A person can contact their state Medicaid department to ask about assistance with vision care.

Even if a person does not qualify for Medicaid and has no coverage through Medicare, other resources can help with paying for vision care.

Some examples include:

• EyeCare America: This organization is part of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation and provides eye exams for people with lower incomes.
• SightFirst: This program, operated by Lions Club International, helps people receive vision support, including eyeglasses.
• Mission Cataract USA: This program provides cataract surgery for people who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
• New Eyes for the Needy: This program helps people obtain single or lined bifocal lenses. A person needs to have an eye exam and receive a prescription before applying for the glasses.

Does Medicare Cover Specialized Eye Treatments

Medicares eye health coverage varies based on whether or not you have certain conditions. For example, Medicare Part B covers eye exams for diabetic retinopathy once a year if you have diabetes.

If youre at high risk for glaucoma, Medicare Part B will cover tests every 12 months. Certain diagnostic tests and treatment for age-related macular degeneration also are covered.

With Original Medicare, Part B deductibles will still apply and you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these services. In a hospital outpatient setting, you would pay a copay.

LOOKING FOR AN EYE DOCTOR WHO ACCEPTS MEDICARE? Book an appointment with a local eye doctor near you.

Schedule an exam

Also Check: How To Get A Lift Chair From Medicare

Does Medicare Cover The Cost Of Cataract Surgery

Medicare does cover cataract surgery as a medically necessary surgery. You can work with your doctor and the hospital or facility where youll have the surgery to help estimate the costs. Youll also want to determine whether the surgery will be inpatient or outpatient.

This will impact what you pay. You can alsoto check if youve met your deductible, which must happen before Medicare will start to pay.

Does Medicare Pay For Glasses

Post-cataract services provided by an optometrist may be covered, if the optometrist is licensed to provide this service in your state, and:

• Medicare will pay only for standard frames.
• Eyeglasses and contact lenses are covered even if you had the surgery before you had Medicare.
• Both eye lenses may be covered even if you had your cataract surgery on one eye only.

A prescription order signed by your doctor must be on file with the supplier. Suppliers must be enrolled in Medicare and must meet strict standards to qualify for a Medicare supplier number. Medicare wont pay your claim if your supplier doesnt have a number, even if your supplier is a large chain or department store that sells more than just durable medical equipment .

After each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens, you pay 20% of Medicare-approved amounts for one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses, after the Part B deductible, if applicable.

Medicare will only reimburse or pay for the standard eyeglass frame amount. You pay an additional cost for upgraded frames.

For more information about Medicare eye care, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE , 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Note: Ask if the supplier is a participating supplier in the Medicare program before you get durable medical equipment. If the supplier is a participating supplier, it must accept assignment. If the supplier is enrolled in Medicare but isnt participating, it has the option to accept assignment.

Don’t Miss: Should I Enroll In Medicare If I Have Employer Insurance

Original Medicare Costs Associated With Vision

In all of these situationsthe diabetic exams, glaucoma tests, and macular degeneration teststhe costs passed on to the participants is the same.

Medicare Part B recipients can expect to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for that particular exam or test.

Any deductible you may have under Part B applies as well.

If the exam is conducted in a hospital outpatient setting, which means that it is needed as a result of an emergency service or prior to surgery, you may have to pay a copayment. The amount of this copayment is dictated by your individual plan.

MORE ADVICE

MORE ADVICE Discover more tips for comfortably aging in place

With a Medicare Advantage plan, you are entitled to all of the benefits covered under Original Medicare , but they are provided by private insurance companies instead.

When Medicaid Covers Eye Exams

Medicaid sometimes covers eye exams for adults. The reasons for the visual testing and your state of residence determine whether your plan will honor claims and how frequently.

Finding a local eye doctor that accepts Medicaid could prove challenging due to the low reimbursement rates and varying levels of coverage.

• Medicaid acts as health insurance with relatively uniform benefits across the country for medically necessary eye care.
• Medicaid acts as vision insurance with widely varying benefits state-by-state when measuring refractive errors.

Also Check: How Much Is Medicare B Deductible

Does Medicare Pay For Glasses Or Contact Lenses

Medicare generally doesnt cover any costs associated with prescription eyewear. One exception is if you have cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant in that case Medicare does cover one pair of glasses or contact lenses.

You pay 20 percent of the allowable charges after you meet your Part B deductible. Note: You do have to buy your glasses from a Medicare-approved supplier and choose from Medicare-approved frames. If you upgrade to more expensive frames, you must pay the difference between the cost of the Medicare frames and the upgraded frames in addition to your 20 percent coinsurance amount.

This is a one-time-only benefit. If your prescription changes a year or two after cataract surgery, you have to pay the full cost of your new glasses.

Does Medicare Cover Vision

En español | Original Medicare offers limited vision coverage related to particular chronic conditions.

It does not pay for regular eye exams to check prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, nor for glasses or contacts you purchase as a result. You are responsible for the full cost of these services unless you have a separate vision care policy.

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision care as an additional benefit, although you may have to pay extra premiums.

Medicare Part B, the component of original Medicare that includes doctor visits and outpatient services, does cover diagnostic and preventive eye exams in these circumstances:

Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Oral Surgery Biopsy

Does Medicare Cover Eyeglasses

As you get older, you may find that your eyesight isnt what it used to be, and its likely youll need corrective lenses at some point. According to the Centers for Disease Control , 92% of adults age 70 and older wear prescription eyeglasses. Roughly 1.8 million seniors report limitations in daily activities due to vision issues, including getting dressed or even walking around their home. In fact, CDC data suggests that vision problems may be a major risk factor in falls among the elderly.

Find affordable Medicare plans in your area

If youre a Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering whether Medicare covers corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, if you are enrolled in Original Medicare and you need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, youll need to pay for these out of pocket in most cases. With a few exceptions, Original Medicare generally doesnt cover costs for routine vision care.

As an alternative to Original Medicare, you may be able to find a Medicare Advantage plan that includes vision coverage and helps with the cost of eyeglasses, including fitting exams, frames, and lenses. Read on to learn more about your coverage options.

Want More Information On Medicare Coverage For Eyeglasses

If you need help finding Medicare coverage for prescription eyewear or contact lenses, I can show you Medicare Advantage plan options that include vision benefits. If youd prefer a phone call or email with personalized information, you can request that by using the links below. Or, to start researching on your own, hit the Compare Plans button to view plan options you may be eligible for.

New To Medicare?

Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.

You May Like: Why Is My First Medicare Bill So High

Does Medicare Cover Cataracts

Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, making it difficult to see. Surgery is generally needed to correct the condition, and under original Medicare, you have two choices in this regard.

First, you can receive a basic lens replacement, paid in full by Medicare up to $2,000. Or, you can apply that amount to a replacement lens that not only addresses the cataract, but also corrects for near or farsightedness, and then pay the difference. Additionally, Medicare will pay for a pair of corrective eyeglasses or contacts that are necessary following cataract surgery.

As is the case with other medical procedures, with cataract treatment, youll still be responsible for your Part B deductible and 20 percent coinsurance. If you have a Medigap plan, it can pick up some or all of these out-of-pocket costs. And if youre on Medicare Advantage, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower, depending on what plan you have.

Original Medicare And Cataract Surgery

In addition to covering some of the expenses associated with treating age-related macular degeneration, Medicare covers a specific set of costs related to cataract surgery conducted via traditional surgery or lasers because this is deemed a medically necessary procedure.

Medicare Part B also assists by helping pay for corrective lenses required after cataract surgery in which an intraocular lens is implanted. These corrective lenseswhether eyeglasses or contactsmust be purchased from a Medicare-enrolled supplier in order to be covered either in whole or in part.

To determine what your portion of the expenses would be if you have Medicare Part B and need cataract surgery, Medicare.gov recommends checking with the doctor or medical care facility conducting the procedure. Theyll be able to give you a better estimate based on:

• How much care youll need post-surgery
• Whether the surgery will be conducted on an inpatient or outpatient basis
• Whether youve met your deductible
• If you have any copayments
• If you have any other additional insurance policy that may pick up some or all of the costs

Recommended Reading: How Can I Get My Medicare Card Number

Hearing Exams And Hearing Aids

Medicare doesn’t cover routine hearing exams, hearing aids, or exams for fitting hearing aids. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider orders these tests to see if you need medical treatment. All people with Part B are covered.

Your costs in Original Medicare:

• You pay 100% for routine exams and hearing aids.
• You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services for covered exams, and the Part B deductible applies.
• In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay the hospital a copayment.

Note: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra hearing benefits. Be sure to contact the plan for more information.

Can Medigap Or Medicare Advantage Cover Vision Care

Medigap, also known as Medicare supplemental insurance, doesn’t cover routine eye exams for people who haven’t been identified as high risk.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C and provided through private insurers, may cover eye exams even when youre not in a high-risk group. Contact the private insurers that offer Medicare Advantage Plans to ask about their vision care coverage, which might include eyeglasses and contact lenses as well as eye exams.

But since a routine eye exam isn’t a major medical expense, choosing Medicare Advantage just for that coverage may not always be the best value.

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams For Eye Injuries

If your eyes are damaged in an accident or injury, Medicare usually pays for diagnostic eye exams and tests to determine the nature and extent of the injury.

Generally speaking, Medicare covers medically necessary eye exams to diagnose and treat any diseases or conditions of the eye, such as an eye infection or a foreign body in your eye.

Will Medicare Pay For Treatment For A Detached Retina

A detached retina can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Medicare will cover surgery to repair a detached retina, but youll be responsible for your Part B deductible and 20 percent coinsurance, which Medigap can help take care of. Depending on where you have your procedure, a copayment might apply as well. Similarly, Medicare Advantage will pay for the cost of retina surgery to preserve vision.

Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover Prescription Sunglasses

Medicare Advantage plans may offer vision coverage including eyeglasses, contact lenses and prescription sunglasses. It may also include vision benefits such as coverage for routine eye exams. Each plan will be different, and youll need to talk with the provider about which eye health items are offered within a plan and how costs are covered.

Other Coverage Options For Eyeglasses

There are several organizations that can help with the costs of your eyeglasses and vision care. Some examples include:

• EyeCare America. This is a service from the American Academy of Ophthalmology that partners with area volunteer eye doctors to provide eye exams. However, this organization doesnt provide eyeglasses.
• Lenscrafters Foundation: OneSight. This foundation has provided more than 10 million eyeglasses to those in need since its founding.
• Lions Club International. This nonprofit organization provides free eyeglasses to those in its member communities. Contact your local Lions Club chapter to find out more.
• Medicaid. Medicaid is a state-based government program that helps pay for healthcare and other services for those in need. While Medicaid coverage may vary state by state, many programs pay for a pair of eyeglasses and lenses once every 5 years.
• New Eyes for the Needy. This is another nonprofit program that helps provide eyeglasses for those in need. Visit its website to see if you may qualify.

How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Vision

If youre unsatisfied with Original Medicares coverage of eye exams and eyeglasses, you may find that a Medicare Advantage plan can offer more extensive vision coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the hospital and medical benefits that Original Medicare covers . Medicare Advantage plans are also allowed to offer supplemental benefits, such as routine vision, routine hearing, prescription drug coverage, and even meal delivery and transportation to doctor appointments.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services , a Medicare Advantage plan may cover:

• One new pair of eyeglasses every two years
• Routine eye exams and other services not covered by Original Medicare
• Contact lenses
• Eyeglass frames and upgrades

You generally have to continue your Medicare Part B premium when you have Medicare Advantage. Also be aware that not all Medicare Advantage plans may cover vision care besides what Medicare Part A and Part B may cover.

To begin looking for a Medicare Advantage plan that covers vision, enter your zip code on this page.

New To Medicare?

Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.