Are Glasses Covered by Medicare? What You Need to Know

Medicare, a federal health insurance program, provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 or older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities or conditions. Understanding what Medicare covers, especially concerning vision services, can be complex.

Original Medicare Coverage for Vision

Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), typically does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. A simple vision test may be included as part of the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit, offered once within the first year of enrolling in Part B.

There is a specific and limited exception where Medicare Part B does provide coverage for corrective lenses. Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. This coverage is for a medically necessary reason directly linked to the surgery. The eyeglasses must be obtained from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.

Original Medicare Part B does cover other medically necessary eye care. This includes annual diabetic eye exams for individuals with diabetes, glaucoma tests for those at high risk, and diagnostic tests and treatments for age-related macular degeneration. These services address specific medical conditions impacting eye health.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Vision Coverage

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, offer an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. These plans are provided by private companies approved by Medicare and cover all Original Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage plans frequently offer additional benefits that Original Medicare does not, including routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

The scope of vision coverage within Medicare Advantage plans can vary significantly from one plan to another. For instance, a plan might offer an allowance for frames or specify the frequency of covered exams. Most Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans that offer supplemental benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Therefore, it is important to review the specific details of any Medicare Advantage plan to understand its vision benefits and any associated limitations.

Understanding Costs and Limitations

For services covered under Original Medicare, such as the eyeglasses provided after cataract surgery, specific cost-sharing rules apply. After meeting the Medicare Part B annual deductible, which is $257 in 2025, individuals are typically responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the covered corrective lenses. Any additional costs for upgraded frames beyond standard options are generally the responsibility of the individual.

Routine eye exams and most eyeglasses or contact lenses remain largely uncovered by Original Medicare, unless tied to a specific covered medical event like cataract surgery. For Medicare Advantage plans, while vision benefits are often included, cost-sharing such as copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance will vary depending on the specific plan chosen.