Does Medicare Cover Vision And Eye Care?
Original Medicare‡ And Vision Coverage
Original Medicare‡ Parts A and B do not cover vision care, except in certain circumstances. For example, Part B partially covers eye exams if you’re at higher risk for eye complications such as glaucoma. Original Medicare‡ also covers some medically necessary eye surgeries, such as cataract removal. But it will not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts.
Fortunately, you have options when it comes to vision insurance. Private insurance companies like Empire offer eye care coverage included with Medicare Advantage
Vision Coverage With Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are bundled plans that usually include dental, vision, and hearing coverage, plus some other services that Original Medicare‡ doesn’t cover. This can include fitness memberships, prescription drug coverage, and more.
Medicare Advantage plans that include vision care typically cover a yearly exam and an allowance for eyewear. There are also options to increase vision coverage within those plans.
Eye Care Is Crucial For Older Adults
Whatever you do, it is important to have regular eye exams that include retinal scans, pupil dilation, and glaucoma screenings. These are painless but important screenings. Eye exams can also reveal early symptoms and warning signs of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The earlier you spot an issue, the easier it is to treat.
Many age-related eyesight issues are easily addressed at the optometrist. For example, reading glasses or blue-blocking glasses can do wonders for decreasing eye strain.
As we grow older, our ability to distinguish shapes, colors, and contrasts can make driving harder, especially at night. It also becomes more difficult to adjust from low light to bright light and vice versa. Glasses or contacts can compensate for some of these issues, and a healthy diet, exercise, and regular eye exams can help keep your vision sharp for many years to come.
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Read Our Other Medicare Articles
Does Medicare cover Vision?
Does Medicare cover Dental?
What Is Medicare?
Medicare Advantage Vs Original Medicare
No-Cost Fitness Program
Why Choose Empire?
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Essential Extras
Medicare Advantage Plan Options
What Is Original Medicare Part A And Part B?
What is Medicare Part D?
‡Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance)
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.