As you approach retirement age, you may be thinking about how Medicare will cover your healthcare needs. While Medicare offers a wide range of health benefits, one area that often causes confusion is vision care. Understanding what Medicare covers—and what it doesn’t—can help you plan for your eye health as you age.
Medicare and routine vision care
Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), does not cover routine vision care. This means that services like annual eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses are not included. If you need these services, you’ll typically have to pay out of pocket.
However, Medicare Part B does provide coverage for some vision-related services. For example, if you have a chronic eye condition like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, Medicare Part B will cover medically necessary eye exams and treatments. If you need cataract surgery, Medicare may also cover the cost of a basic lens implant and one pair of corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses following the procedure.
Medicare Advantage plans
For those looking for more comprehensive vision coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) might be a better option. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and include all the benefits of Original Medicare, and may have additional coverage, like vision, dental, and hearing. Vision benefits under Medicare Advantage plans often include routine eye exams, discounts on eyeglasses and contact lenses, and even coverage for prescription sunglasses.
How to get vision coverage with Medicare
Since Original Medicare doesn’t provide routine vision care, many seniors look for additional options to ensure comprehensive coverage. Here are three ways to enhance your Medicare plan:
-
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans:
-
Standalone Vision Insurance:
-
Vision Discount Plans
Many Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurers, bundle extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. These plans can include routine eye exams, coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses, and discounts on services like LASIK. Coverage specifics vary by plan, so it’s important to research thoroughly.
If you need routine eye exams or corrective lenses, consider buying a standalone vision insurance plan. This is often the best vision insurance for seniors on Medicare who need more comprehensive coverage than what is offered by Medicare Advantage.
Another option is to sign up for a vision discount plan. These plans provide savings on services such as eye exams, frames, and lenses for a small monthly fee, but they are not insurance.
Planning for vision care
While Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine vision care, there are options available to ensure your eye health is taken care of. Consider whether a Medicare Advantage plan fits your needs or explore standalone vision insurance plans to supplement your Medicare coverage. By planning ahead, you can protect your vision and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Eye health: If you have ongoing eye conditions or a family history of vision issues, look for a plan that offers comprehensive care for these conditions.
Frequency of eye exams: If you see an eye doctor regularly, investing in a plan with routine vision coverage can save money over time.
Cost and premiums: Compare the costs of Medicare Advantage plans, standalone vision insurance, or discount plans with the out-of-pocket cost of routine eye care.
Protecting your vision and dental health
While Medicare provides some coverage for eye health, it doesn’t include routine vision services. Researching the best vision insurance for seniors on Medicare can help fill this gap, ensuring you have the coverage you need. If you’re also looking to combine vision with dental coverage in Washington state, we’re here to help you find the right plan for your needs during open enrollment.
Contact us today to learn more about bundling your vision and dental coverage or to explore the best coverage options for seniors!
