Does Medicare cover glasses and eye exams?

Does Medicare pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses?

Not usually. Medicare 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. Otherwise, you pay all costs for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

For corrective lenses after a covered cataract surgery, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), plus any additional cost for upgraded frames. Medicare only pays for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a supplier that participates in Medicare, whether you or your provider submits the claim.

Does Medicare cover routine eye exams?

No. Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams, sometimes called eye refractions, for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Routine eye exams check your overall eye health and look for signs of vision problems or disease, and you pay all costs for them.

Which eye exams and tests does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B covers some eye exams and tests for specific medical conditions. For these, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, and you also pay a copayment in a hospital outpatient setting:

• Eye exams for diabetic retinopathy: once a year if you have diabetes, from an eye doctor who's legally allowed to do the test in your state
• Glaucoma screenings: once every 12 months if you're at high risk because you have diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma, are African American and 50 or older, or are Hispanic and 65 or older
• Macular degeneration: Part B may cover certain diagnostic tests and treatments, including treatment with certain injectable drugs, if you have age-related macular degeneration

What does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?

Medicare Part B may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live. In a hospital outpatient setting or ambulatory surgical center, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to both the facility and the doctor after the Part B deductible; in a doctor's office, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for both the intraocular lens and the surgery to implant it. See Medicare coverage for cataract surgery.

Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap cover glasses?

Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like vision, so contact the plan for details. Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers, and rules and costs vary by plan. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) plans generally don't cover vision care or glasses.