Does Medicare cover glasses?

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Dear Connie,

It seems like I’ve always worn glasses. I’m 64 and about to be eligible for Medicare. And I’m sure I’ll need a new prescription soon because I’ve noticed that it’s a bit harder to read to my grandkids these days.

As I look at my plan options and enroll for the first time, I wonder what’s best for me and my frequent prescription changes. Knowing that I’ll likely need a new prescription soon, I’m curious, does Medicare cover glasses?

Trying to find the perfect prescription plan,
Linda from Gilbert, Arizona

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Dear Linda,

Does Medicare cover eyeglasses? This is a great question and a popular one. You’re in good company. Did you know that 166.5 million adults (63.7%) wear prescription eyeglasses in the United States?

I’m happy you’re being proactive and curious about a plan with the necessary vision benefits. When you sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you’ll sign up for Original Medicare Part A and B. Now, neither of these provides the prescription eyeglass coverage that you mentioned. They offer eyeglass coverage under certain conditions, but not what you need. Not for routine prescription changes.

Agent tip:

“Original Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover glasses. If you’d like this coverage you should explore Medicare Advantage plan options with a local licensed agent.“

One of the only exceptions for prescription glasses coverage under Medicare Part B is when you have cataract surgery and have an intraocular lens implant. Then, you can get a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, but not both. For cataract surgery and eyeglasses with standard frames or a set of contact lenses, you would pay the Part B deductible and then 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount.

Read more about getting new glasses after cataract surgery in “Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?”

If you’d like comprehensive vision coverage, including routine eye exams, prescription glasses, or contacts, you should consider a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B but with added benefits, often including vision care, dental, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.

Learn more about the coverage for eye exams in “Does Medicare cover eye exams?”

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• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience

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When you choose a plan, you should consider the benefits that are most important to you. There are a lot of Medicare Advantage plan options to choose from. If your primary goal is to have a plan that covers routine vision, an agent can help.

We recommend that you sit down with a local licensed agent in your community to help you determine which plan is best for your health and budget.

If you’d like to discuss your options, a Connie Health agent is ready to help. Call (623) 223-8884 to get the support you need from the start of your Medicare journey.

Sources

Cost of Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible & More
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Does Medicare cover eye exams?
Does Medicare cover vision?
The Vision Council

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover eye glasses?

Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover eyeglasses for routine vision care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive vision care, plus dental and hearing. 

If you’d like help finding a plan with eyeglasses coverage, a Connie Health agent is ready to help. Call (623) 223-8884 to get the support you need from a local licensed agent in your community.

Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses?

Original Medicare Part A and B do not offer comprehensive vision care, which includes routinely seeing an eye doctor for eye exams and glasses. Eye exams are only covered by Part B when it’s to diagnose a vision problem or for high-risk individuals. For example, if you have diabetes or have a family history of glaucoma. And prescription glasses are only covered under Part B when you’ve had cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implanted.

You should review Medicare Advantage plan options if you want routine eye exams and glasses or contacts covered. These plans often offer routine vision, dental, and hearing benefits. A Connie Health local licensed agent can help. Call (623) 223-8884 to get help finding a plan with vision coverage.

Does Medicare cover glasses after cataract surgery?

Yes, Original Medicare Part B covers prescription glasses after cataract surgery. If you have an intraocular lens implanted, you can receive one pair of standard prescription glasses or a set of contact lenses, but not both. You must pay the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance for the Medicare-approved amount.