Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams and Glasses?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't usually include coverage for regular eye exams, glasses or contact lenses.
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You can opt to go with a Medicare Advantage plan, as many of those do come with vision coverage. But unless you have expensive vision care needs, sticking to Original Medicare and adding a Medigap plan may be the better option overall, even if you have to pay for your eye exams yourself.
Does Medicare cover vision exams?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover routine eye exams for most people.
Medicare Part B will only cover annual exams if you're at a high risk for developing glaucoma, or if you have diabetes. It may also cover some tests and treatments for macular degeneration.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you're more likely to have vision coverage.
Original Medicare/Medigap | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Routine eye exam | ||
| Glasses or contacts | ||
| Glaucoma eye exam | ||
| Macular degeneration exam | ||
| Prosthetic eyes and maintenance |
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While Original Medicare doesn't cover routine vision exams, you can get eye checkups for certain medical concerns.
Medicare Part B will help pay for exams or tests if you're at risk for, or have been diagnosed with, diabetes, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Medicare Part B also covers one set of eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery, and it pays for prosthetic eyes.
If you have diabetes, Medicare Part B will cover one eye exam every year to check for diabetic retinopathy. Just make sure that your doctor is legally allowed to administer the test in your state, or Medicare won't cover you.
Original Medicare covers an annual glaucoma test if you’re at high risk for the disease. To be considered high risk, you’ll have to meet at least one of these criteria:
- You have diabetes
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You're over 50 and African American
- You're over 65 and Hispanic/Latino
The eye doctor you see has to be licensed in your state to perform glaucoma testing for Medicare to provide coverage.
If you have or are suspected to have age-related macular degeneration, Medicare Part B pays for some of the needed tests and treatments. Ask your doctor why they’re recommending certain services and then make sure to talk to a Medicare representative to find out what's covered and what isn't, so you aren't surprised by a medical bill that you have to pay in full.
After cataract surgery, Medicare covers you for one pair of glasses or contact lenses provided by a participating Medicare supplier.
Original Medicare covers a prosthetic or artificial eye and follow-up polishing and resurfacing of the eye twice per year. Prosthetics must be ordered by a doctor and provided by a Medicare-participating supplier.
Does Medicare cover glasses and contacts?
Medicare doesn't cover eyeglasses or contacts in most cases.
The only time Medicare Part B pays for glasses or contacts is after cataract surgery. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have coverage for glasses and contacts. Most Medicare Advantage plans include vision coverage, which can help offset the cost for glasses and contacts.
How much does Medicare Part B pay for eye exams?
Medicare Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved cost for covered vision care, after you meet your Part B deductible.
Annual eye exams are covered by Medicare Part B only if you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma.
If Original Medicare is your only insurance, you'll have to pay the remaining 20% out of pocket. For example, if your glaucoma test costs $80, your portion will be $16, as long as you've met the yearly Part B deductible.
Make sure that your doctor is a Medicare-participating provider. This means that they've agreed to accept the amount Medicare pays for a particular service.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the amount you pay for vision care will depend on the specifics of your plan.
How does Medicare Advantage cover vision?
Medicare Advantage plans usually cover routine eye exams and eyewear.
At a minimum, Medicare Advantage plans provide vision benefits equal to those offered by Original Medicare. This includes eyewear after cataract surgery, prosthetics and care related to diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
However, most Medicare Advantage policies add benefits not covered by Original Medicare, like eyewear and regular vision exams. Costs and coverage vary, so it's important to check plan documents to find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
Best Medicare Advantage companies for vision care
Because nearly all Medicare Advantage plans have some level of vision coverage, you may have lots of options, depending on where you live. When choosing a plan, make sure to think about your overall health, not just what you need for vision care. In addition, check the specifics of the company’s vision coverage, so you know if it fits your needs.
How do Medigap plans cover vision care?
Medicare Supplement plans — also called Medigap plans — pay for your share of costs left over by Original Medicare.
That means Medicare has to cover a medical service for Medigap to pay. Medicare Supplement plans generally won't pay for regular eye exams or for glasses or contact lenses, since Original Medicare doesn't cover these services.
Depending on the policy, your Medigap plan will cover some or all of the Medicare deductible and your 20% coinsurance.
Medigap plans pay your remaining balance (the 20%) in full, with just a few exceptions. Plan K pays only 50% of your cost, and Plan L pays 75%. Plan N pays the 20%, but it may then charge you a copay for the office visit.
Cost for covered vision care with Medigap plans
Medigap plan | Your cost |
|---|---|
| Plan F | $0 |
| Plan G | $0 |
| Plan N | $0-$20 copay |
Your cost after Medicare and Medigap payments, if you've met the Part B deductible.
For example, if Medicare approves a charge of $100 for vision care, Part B would pay 80%, assuming you've already met the deductible. You would then be responsible for the remaining 20% ($20). This cost would be covered in full or in part depending on your Medigap plan.
What if I need vision care that Medicare does not cover?
If you need care that your Medicare plan doesn’t cover, the National Eye Institute website has a list of helpful resources for free or low-cost eye care.
You also may want to consider a private vision plan or discount program. Private plans often offer benefit levels ranging from routine to specialty care, so you can tailor coverage to meet your needs. When reviewing plans, watch for coverage limits, network restrictions and out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover eye exams?
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. You'll only have coverage if you have diabetes, or you're at high risk for glaucoma. Original Medicare will also cover tests and treatments for macular degeneration.
How often will Medicare pay for eye exams?
Medicare will cover annual checkups only if you've been diagnosed with diabetes or have or are at high risk of developing glaucoma.
Which Medicare Advantage plan has the best routine vision benefit?
AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Devoted Health all offer Medicare Advantage plans with good vision benefits. But you might find a smaller company in your area that has great vision coverage, too. Remember to choose a plan based on your overall health needs — not just your vision needs.
Methodology and sources
Medicare Advantage rates are from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public use files. Monthly rates are averages and are for 2025 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage. Employer-sponsored plans, Medicare-Medicaid plans (MMPs), Medicare medical savings account (MSA) plans, PACE plans, prepayment plans (HCPPs), sanctioned plans and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) were excluded from average rates. Company subsidiaries are included in the monthly rates.
Other sources include Medicare.gov, KFF and the National Eye Institute.
Editorial Note: We are committed to providing accurate content that helps you make informed financial decisions. Our partners have not endorsed or commissioned this content.
