Are street signs hard to read? Are faces hard to see?It might be time for an eye exam
Your vision can change as you get older. That’s normal. Getting your eyes checked can help catch eye issues early. This can help you protect your sight. But does Medicare cover eye exams?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) usually doesn’t cover routine eye exams or vision care.
But there’s good news. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include vision coverage. This Medicare coverage can help you pay for eye exams and glasses.
Want to know what vision services your plan covers?
- Check your Medicare plan details
- Know which type of eye exam you need
What do I need to know about eye exams?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) usually does not cover routine eye exams, but it may cover certain medical eye tests like diabetic eye exams and glaucoma screenings. Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include routine vision benefits, which can help pay for eye exams, glasses and other vision care services.
What eye exams does Medicare cover?
Medicare has four parts — A, B, C, and D. Each covers different things.
Do you have Medicare Advantage (Part C)? You may get routine eye exams.
Do you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B)? You’re sometimes only covered for medical eye issues. This does not include routine vision checks.
Here is a quick look at what vision tests are covered under Medicare Part B:
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Diabetic eye test
This test checks for diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that can affect your vision.
This test:- Checks if diabetes is affecting your vision
- Is done once a year
Coverage:
Medicare Part B covers a diabetic eye exam.
Learn more about how some Medicare options may cover a diabetic eye exam
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Cataract testing
Cataracts can cause cloudy or blurry vision and may make it harder to see clearly over time.
This test:- Checks for clouding of the eye’s natural lens
- Helps detect cataracts and evaluate changes in vision
Coverage:Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary eye exams used to diagnose cataracts and determine if treatment or cataract surgery is needed.
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Glaucoma testing
Glaucoma can cause vision loss if not caught early. Especially if you are at high risk.
You may be high risk if you:- Have diabetes
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Are African American and over 50
- Are Hispanic and over 65
Coverage:Medicare Part B covers a yearly glaucoma test.
-
Macular degeneration testing
Macular degeneration can harm the retina. The retina is the part of your eye that lets you see fine detail.
This test:- Checks for damage to the retina
- Helps check age-related macular degeneration
Coverage:
Medicare Part B covers some treatments and a test for macular degeneration.
Does Medicare Advantage cover eye exams?
So, does Medicare cover routine eye examinations? Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may include vision benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t. Medicare Advantage may help cover:
That means you could get more complete Medicare eye coverage — and worry less about surprise costs.
If your sight starts to change, don’t wait. Explore Aetna Medicare Advantage plans to find Medicare vision coverage that’s right for your needs.
