Does Medicare Cover Vision in California?

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, which can become costly.

Fortunately, you have options when it comes to vision care. Private insurance companies like Anthem offer combined vision and dental coverage. You can buy dental and vision packages to complement Original Medicare,^‡ Medicare Supplement, or Part D (prescription drug) plans. Routine vision and dental coverage is also built into Medicare Advantage plans, but you can purchase additional packages to meet your needs.

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.

Vision Coverage With Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement plans help offer extra coverage for what Original Medicare^‡ does not cover, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Most Medicare Supplement plans do not include dental and vision care, but you can purchase a plan that offers combined dental and vision coverage. Availability varies depending on where you live.

Anthem Extras is a separate dental and vision package you can add to an Original Medicare,‡ Medicare Supplement, or Part D plan. Our Standard package covers eye exams and includes an allowance for glasses or contacts. The packages vary in price depending on whether you pick a Standard, Premium, or Premium Plus option.

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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^‡Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance)

*Source: Blue View Vision. (2022). Average Vision Retail Cost Medicare Book of Business (Jan-Oct 2022) [Claims Data].

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.

For Medicare Supplement only: Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

^‡Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

For Medicare Supplement only: Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Does Medicare Cover Vision And Eye Care?

Original Medicare^‡ And Vision Coverage

Read More About:

Vision Coverage With Medicare Advantage Plans