Will Medicare Pay for Contact Lenses?

Health Line

09-06-2025

In most circumstances, Original Medicare (parts A and B) doesn't pay for contact lenses. But some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer vision coverage.
Original Medicare covers medical and hospital costs, but vision, dental, and hearing care aren't usually covered. This means you likely won't get financial help from Medicare to pay for your contact lenses.
However, there are a few exceptions. For example, Medicare may cover the cost of contact lenses after cataract surgery. And some Medicare Advantage plans provide vision coverage.
This article reviews how contact lenses might be covered under Medicare.
Does Medicare cover contact lenses?
While Medicare covers some vision services, it doesn't usually pay for eye exams or contact lenses. Some of the vision services that Original Medicare (parts A and B) may cover include:
an annual glaucoma test for people at high risk (including those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma)
a yearly exam to test for diabetic retinopathy for those with diabetes
cataract surgery
diagnostic testing or screenings for macular degeneration
Medicare Part B coverage
Medicare Part B covers most outpatient medical services, such as doctor's visits, durable medical equipment, and preventive services. It doesn't usually cover contact lenses.
However, there is one exception. If you have cataract surgery, Medicare Part B will cover one pair of corrective contact lenses after your surgery.
When you have cataract surgery, your eye doctor will insert an intraocular lens, which can sometimes change your vision. As a result, you'll likely need new contact lenses or eyeglasses to correct your vision. Even if you wear glasses already, you'll most likely need a new prescription.
It's important to know that Medicare will pay for new contact lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens insertion. Normally, eye doctors will only perform surgery on one eye at a time. If you have surgery to correct a second eye, you can get another contact lens prescription at that time.
However, even in this situation, the contact lenses aren't totally free. You'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and your Part B deductible applies.
Also, you'll have to make sure you order contacts from a Medicare-approved supplier. If you usually order your contact lenses from a certain supplier, be sure to ask if they accept Medicare. If not, you may need to find a new supplier.
Part C coverage
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare that combines Part A and Part B. To attract subscribers, Medicare Advantage plans offer some combination of dental, hearing, vision, and even fitness benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans can vary greatly in the vision coverage they offer. According to health policy research nonprofit KFF, 97% of Medicare Advantage plans offer some level of vision coverage in 2025.
Even with coverage, a person can still expect to have out-of-pocket costs. In 2018, Medicare Advantage enrollees who used their vision benefits spent an average of $194 on vision services.
Examples of services Medicare Advantage plans may cover related to vision include:
routine eye exams
exams for fitting frames or contact lens prescriptions
costs or copayments for contact lenses or eyeglasses
Medicare Advantage plans are often region-specific because many involve using in-network providers. To search for available plans in your area, visit Medicare.gov's coverage finder tool.
If you find a plan you're interested in, click on the 'Plan Details' button, and you'll see a list of benefits, including vision coverage. Often, you're required to purchase your contacts from an in-network provider to ensure the plan will cover them.
Costs and other savings options
The average cost of contact lenses can vary. Contacts range in features from daily disposable lenses to those that correct astigmatism, called toric lenses. In general:
Daily disposable lenses are more expensive than monthly lenses.
Multifocals are more expensive than distance-only or monovision lenses.
Toric contacts for astigmatism are more expensive than spherical contacts.
You'll also pay for accessories that help you care for your contacts. These can include contact lens cases, solutions, and eye drops — if you have dry eyes.
It's a little harder to get help paying for contacts compared to eyeglasses when you have vision needs.
Because glasses last longer than contacts and can be used and reused from donated materials, there are more organizations that may help you get a pair of free or low cost eyeglasses.
However, you can save money on your contacts through these approaches:
Order online: Many online contact lens retailers offer cost savings compared to ordering at a retail store. Just make sure you're using a reputable online source. You can also ask your retail store of choice if they'll match online prices.
Purchase an annual supply: Although there's a hefty upfront cost, purchasing an annual supply of contacts often offers the lowest cost in the end. This is particularly true when ordering from online retailers. Look into whether company rebates could help you save.
Look into Medicaid eligibility: Medicaid is a federal and state collaborative program that offers financial assistance for a number of medical costs, including vision and contact lenses. Eligibility is often income-based, and you can check your eligibility or learn how to apply on the Medicaid website. However, Medicaid may not cover contact lenses.
Safety tip for wearing contact lenses
When you do get your contacts, it's important that you use them as directed. Wearing them longer than recommended can increase your risk for eye infections, which can be both painful and costly to treat.