Does Medicare Cover Prescription Eyeglasses?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't typically cover routine vision services, including paying for eyeglasses and contact lenses. There are some exceptions, including if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that offers vision coverage.
In addition, there are community and nonprofit organizations that can help you pay for eyeglasses and lenses.
This article reviews what Medicare does and doesn't cover, along with other options you can explore to help cover the cost of eyeglasses.
Does Medicare pay for eyeglasses?
As a general rule, Original Medicare doesn't pay for eyeglasses. This means that if you need a new pair of glasses, you'll likely pay 100% of the costs out of pocket.
However, there are some exceptions if you have Medicare Advantage or if you've recently had cataract surgery. We'll explore the details of these exceptions next.
Medicare Part B coverage
Medicare Part B (medical coverage) will pay for corrective eyeglass lenses after you've had cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant.
However, this doesn't mean your glasses are completely free. You'll pay 20% of the cost of your eyeglasses, and your Part B deductible applies.
You'll also pay additional costs for upgraded frames, and you must purchase the eyeglasses from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
If you lose or break these glasses, Medicare won't 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.
Medicare Advantage coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare in which you select a private insurance company to fulfill your Medicare benefits. A Medicare Advantage plan must offer all that Original Medicare does, and some plans expand their coverage to include dental, hearing, or vision care.
While Medicare Advantage may offer some vision benefits, there are still out-of-pocket costs. According to a 2020 study, Medicare Advantage enrollees with vision coverage still paid about 62% of the costs associated with their vision spending.
If you have Medicare Advantage with vision coverage, it's important to use in-network eye care professionals for your vision care. Your plan may also have preferred suppliers for eyeglasses and lenses. Choosing from a list of approved professionals will usually help you get the greatest cost savings.
You can use this online search tool to find Medicare-approved healthcare professionals near you.
If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage, your premium or deductible may be slightly higher. Your vision coverage may also require a copayment for vision services and eyeglasses purchases.
With other plans, you must meet your deductible before your plan will pay a portion of your vision services. However, if you think you'll need frequent vision services, a plan with vision coverage might save you money in the long run.
To find a Medicare Advantage plan that offers vision coverage, you can use the Find a Medicare Plan search tool. You can also contact Medicare Advantage plans and companies directly to ask questions about their vision coverage.
Can I use Medigap to pay for eyeglasses?
Medicare supplement insurance, or Medigap, is a policy you can purchase if you have Original Medicare. While Medigap can help pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare parts A and B, such as coinsurances and deductibles, it won't help pay for extras like vision care.
What isn't covered by Medicare for vision?
Medicare doesn't cover the following services related to vision care:
routine eye exams
purchase of eyeglasses
purchase of contact lenses
purchase of upgraded lenses
However, Medicare Part B does cover some vision screenings, including an annual glaucoma test for people at risk and an annual eye exam for people with diabetes to screen for diabetic retinopathy. Medicare also covers cataract surgery.
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 doesn't provide eyeglasses.
Lenscrafters Foundation: OneSight: This foundation has provided more than 10 million eyeglasses to those in need since its founding.
Lion's 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 people 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 to people in need. Visit its website to see if you may qualify.
The takeaway
Medicare doesn't offer comprehensive vision coverage, including paying for eyeglasses. It usually covers medical services related to vision, such as testing for diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
If you or a loved one could use help purchasing eyeglasses, several community and national organizations are dedicated to providing vision care.
The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
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