{"id":6149,"date":"2024-10-12T15:45:46","date_gmt":"2024-10-12T15:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/how-to-save-money-on-eyeglasses-and-exams\/"},"modified":"2024-10-12T15:45:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-12T15:45:46","slug":"how-to-save-money-on-eyeglasses-and-exams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=6149","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Money on Eyeglasses and Exams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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So you\u2019re enrolled in Medicare and you need to go to your routine optometrist check-up? But then you discover that, actually, routine vision care isn\u2019t guaranteed. <\/p>\n

Yes, the vast majority\u2014about 99%, according to K<\/a>FF\u2014of <\/span>Medicare Advantage enrollees \u201chave access to some vision coverage,\u201d including both eye exams and eyewear. But these are private plans that often put an annual dollar limit on vision coverage, about an average of $160 in 2021. <\/p>\n

<\/span>Original Medicare, which insures about 33.9 million people<\/a> in the United States, doesn\u2019t include dental, vision or hearing services, meaning you won\u2019t have your new eyeglasses frames or annual vision exam covered. <\/p>\n

But the real challenge is determining what is <\/i>covered and what isn\u2019t, depending on what plan you have. Whether you\u2019re new to Medicare and wondering what to expect at your next eye exam, or you\u2019re a long-time beneficiary trying to save money on glasses, our guide to Medicare vision coverage and affordable eye care is here to help.\n<\/p>\n

<\/span>How Medicare Covers Vision<\/h2>\n

If you have a serious eye disease like glaucoma or macular degeneration, you may qualify for certain coverage under original Medicare. For example, if you have diabetes and are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, Medicare will cover annual exams<\/a>. If you\u2019re at high risk for glaucoma<\/a>, Medicare will also cover annual screenings. For eye diseases like macular degeneration, certain diagnostic tests and treatment may be covered, but in some cases<\/a>, you will have to meet the Part B deductible and pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the drug and your doctor\u2019s services.<\/p>\n

What is clear is that routine eye exams<\/a> for eyeglasses or contact lenses, as well as the frames or lenses<\/a> themselves, are not covered under original Medicare. There is one exception: Medicare Part B will help pay for corrective lenses following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. <\/p>\n

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<\/span>Medicare Advantage privately-administered plans, on the other hand, do tend to have some vision coverage. About 93% of enrollees in <\/span>Medicare Advantage plans have access to some coverage for both eye exams and eyewear, but most of the plans have annual dollar limits on coverage. Here\u2019s how it breaks down.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Original Medicare<\/h3>\n

<\/span>Original Medicare does not cover routine vision exams, eyeglasses or contact lenses, unless you have a pre-existing health condition like diabetes, cataracts or you are at risk for glaucoma. Lasik surgery isn\u2019t covered either, as it is considered an elective surgery<\/a>. You\u2019re on the hook for the full cost unless you have secondary insurance like Medicaid or one of the previously stated conditions. We\u2019ll cover that in more depth shortly.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Medicare Advantage<\/h3>\n

Nearly all <\/span>Medicare Advantage plans \u2014 which are administered by private insurance companies like United Healthcare and Cigna \u2014 include some routine vision coverage. <\/p>\n

However, vision benefits are pretty modest \u2014 plans offer about $160 worth of eyewear and eye exam coverage a year on average, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation<\/a> (KFF). <\/p>\n

<\/span>Medicare Advantage plans often also restrict the vision benefits they offer, including: <\/p>\n