Best Vision Insurance for Seniors on Medicare
As you get older, vision insurance is important. It can help pay for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Because your vision changes as you age, it’s important to get regular eye exams. These exams can screen for eye conditions that don’t have any symptoms, like glaucoma.
In most cases, Medicare’s vision coverage for seniors is limited. Original Medicare does not cover routine vision care, such as eye exams. It does cover exams and treatments for certain medical conditions, like diabetes-related eye conditions. Medicare Advantage plans vary in coverage. They may cover routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
This article will explain what vision services Medicare covers. We’ll also explain how you can add additional insurance and access additional help to pay for vision care.
Key takeaways:
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine vision care services, such as eye exams. It does cover eye exams and treatments for certain medical conditions.
Additional insurance options may offer extra coverage. However, it is important to consider costs, coverage, and provider networks.
Free or low-cost eye exams are available to those with low income, and some nonprofits help with the costs of eyeglasses and other treatments.
Does Medicare cover vision care?
Original Medicare (made up of Part A and B) does not cover routine vision care, such as eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. However, Original Medicare will cover vision care for some medical conditions. These include:
Screening for diabetic retinopathy once a year for individuals with diabetes.
Glaucoma screening once a year for high-risk individuals.
Tests and treatments for macular degeneration, a type of age-related decline in vision.
Cataract surgery, including the placement of a lens, glasses, or other corrective vision care.
If you are hospitalized for an eye condition, Medicare Part A will cover your care. It’s also important to note that you’re eligible for one free eye screening when you first enroll in Medicare. This comes as part of your “Welcome to Medicare” visit.
Because Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye care, separate vision insurance can be helpful. While the average cost of a routine eye exam is $136 without insurance, this drops to $25 with insurance. Vision insurance can also help cover the costs of corrective eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses.
Best insurance options for seniors on Medicare
As mentioned above, while Medicare Advantage plans vary in coverage, some include vision care. You can also enroll in a standalone vision insurance plan or pay for a discount program that gets you discounts on vision needs. Read on to learn more about these different options.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans with vision coverage
Medicare Advantage plans may offer more benefits than Original Medicare, including routine eye exams and corrective lenses. However, it’s important to check how much coverage your plan provides. Your plan might only cover one eye exam per year. It might also limit your coverage towards eyeglasses or contact lenses to a certain dollar amount.
You’ll also want to check your plan’s network to determine what doctors you’ll have access to. Comparing your coverage with costs and any copay amounts can help you decide on a plan.
Standalone vision insurance plans
Standalone vision insurance plans offer extra coverage for vision care services and treatments that are not covered by Original Medicare. When choosing standalone insurance, think about your budget and needs. This can help you to compare costs and coverage between plans. Here are some affordable vision insurance plans for seniors:
| Provider | Cost | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| VSP | $17/month | $15 exam copays, $25 basic lens copay, $150 frame or contact allowance |
| EyeMed | $17.50/month | $10 exam copay, $130 frame or contact allowance |
| Humana | $14.49/month | $10 exam copay or $0 exam copay if using an approved provider, $200 frame or contact lens allowance |
| Aetna | $13.13/month | $15 eye exam copay, $160 frame or contact lens allowance |
| United Health | $13.28/month | No copay for eye exam, $150 frame or contact lens allowance |
Vision insurance plans can vary based on your age and location. The table above represents costs for a 65-year-old woman living in California seeking standard vision care.
Discount vision plans vs. insurance
Discount vision plans offer discounts on exams, glasses, and contacts. They don’t provide coverage like an insurance plan does. If you choose to join a discount vision plan, you’ll pay a monthly or annual membership fee. In exchange, you’ll receive discounts on products and services like eye exams and glasses. Discount plans may work well for those with few eye care needs. However, if you need regular vision exams or wear prescription glasses, insurance may be a better fit.
Here is a comparison of some common discount vision plans:
| Provider | Membership Fee | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| EyeMed | $5/month | $0 copay for eye exams, 35% discount on frames for glasses |
| EyeBenefits | $44/year | Up to 20% off eye exams, 30% off contact lenses and eyeglasses, and 50% off LASIK |
| VSP Vision Savings Pass | $99/year plus a one-time $20 processing fee | $50 eye exams, 15% off contact lens exams |
Certain optical chain stores may also offer discount programs.
How to choose the right vision insurance plan
When choosing a vision insurance plan, you’ll want to consider coverage, costs, network, and additional benefits.
Coverage: You’ll want to look at copays for eye examinations as well as the yearly allowances for frames and contact lenses. If you are interested in LASIK surgery, then you may wish to look for a plan that offers coverage for this.
Costs: It’s important to compare out-of-pocket costs to monthly insurance premiums. If you have frequent eye care needs, more coverage may justify higher monthly costs.
Network: Some insurance plans allow you to only see providers within their provider network or provide additional savings for seeing in-network providers.
Additional benefits: Some insurance providers may offer deals when you bundle insurance with a larger insurance plan. They may also offer additional discounts on glasses and contacts.
If you’re considering Medicare Advantage to obtain vision insurance, you’ll want to check that your plan includes vision care services. Because Medicare Advantage plans vary widely, you should also look at the details to avoid surprises. When compared to standalone vision insurance, Medicare Advantage plans may have more limited provider networks. Also, they might offer less customizable vision coverage. However, vision coverage may be essentially free as part of your Medicare Advantage plans. There are many Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums that include vision coverage!
When searching for vision care insurance providers, you can request a quote to help you compare costs and coverage. After you’ve made your decision, most insurance providers offer the opportunity to enroll either online or over the phone.
Affordable vision care options without insurance
Several non-profit organizations offer eye exams to seniors at little to no cost. These include:
VSP Vision Eyes of Hope: This program offers no-cost eye exams to individuals who have no access to routine vision care. It helps individuals who are without insurance or government support and who have a family income of up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
EyeCare America: The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers no-cost eye exams. The program is available to individuals aged 65 and older who have no vision care coverage and who haven’t visited an ophthalmologist in the last three years.
Lions Club International: Lions Club offers free vision exams through their local centers.
Additionally, local schools might offer discounted or free eye exams. These are done by supervised students, who are training to become ophthalmologists. Schools can be found through the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Local community health centers may also offer free or low-cost eye exams. The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics can help you find one in your area.
There is also help available for those who require further vision care. Options include:
New Eyes: New Eyes offers assistance to individuals who need financial aid for eyeglasses. To qualify, you must have had an eye exam in the last 24 months.
AGS Cares: AGS Cares offers free services to people with glaucoma who are in need. These services are provided through its network of volunteer surgeons.
Mission Cataract USA: Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to individuals who are unable to pay.
ReSpectacle: ReSpectacle offers used glasses at discount prices. You can search their database for your prescription.
myAbbVie Assist: AbbVie offers assistance for prescription medications for those who are unable to afford them. This includes treatment for some eye conditions, such as thyroid eye disease.
Several large retailers also offer budget-friendly services and deals on glasses. These include:
America’s Best: America’s Best offers $69 eye exams, with further discounts available alongside the purchase of glasses.
Costco: Although you’ll need a Costco membership to purchase glasses, Costco offers affordable eye exams and glasses.
EyeBuyDirect: EyeBuyDirect is an online glasses retailer. Their frames start at $9 a pair.
Sam’s Club: Like Costco, a Sam’s Club membership is required to access their optical center. They offer eye exams at an average cost of $61, as well as glasses at affordable prices.
Zenni Optical: Zenni Optical is an online glasses retailer, with a focus on affordability. Their frames start at $6.95 a pair.
Walmart Vision Center: Walmart Vision Center offers eye exams that start at $60 and prescription glasses that start at $39.
Target Optical: Target Optical has glasses that start at $59. Their eye exams start at $60.
Bottom line
Original Medicare does not cover routine eye care, including eye exams and corrective lenses, but extra insurance can help reduce your costs. When considering vision care plans, be sure to review costs, coverage, provider networks, and any additional benefits. A Chapter Advisor can help you to further understand your options for vision care through Medicare so that you can make the best decision for you. Get in touch by calling us at (855) 900-2427 or scheduling a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover vision?
Yes, Medicare covers vision care, but only in certain cases. Original Medicare does not cover routine vision care, such as eye exams. However, vision care related to certain medical conditions is covered. This includes:
Screening for diabetic retinopathy
High-risk glaucoma screening
Tests and treatments for macular degeneration
Cataract surgery
Medicare Part A will also cover hospital costs for eye conditions that require hospitalization.
How can I get additional vision coverage with Medicare?
Standalone insurance can cover vision care services, like routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Be sure to compare costs and coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also provide additional vision coverage. A licensed Medicare agent can help provide you with more information.
Sources
Kennedy, A.-M. (2025, February 7). How much does an eye exam cost? Pricing by type and State. CareCredit. https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/eye-exam-cost-eye-exam-financing/