Can Medicare Pay for Vision Care?

Depending upon the type of Medicare coverage you have, your plan may cover certain types of vision care. Standard Medicare part A and part B coverage does not pay for routine eye exams, but part C and part D can. Part A covers emergency care only, such as a trauma or injury involving the eyes. Part B plans cover some types of care, including glaucoma screenings for high-risk patients. You can review your benefits with your insurance plan or consult with an eye doctor like SoCal Optometry in Riverside, CA prior to treatment. 

How Do I Find an Eye Doctor Near Me?

One way to locate an eye doctor is to type the keywords "eye doctor near me" in a search engine like Google. The results should bring up a list of optometrists, with the closest offices to your address listed first. You can check to see if the offices accept Medicare coverage, as well as what types of Medicare plans. If you need treatments for cataracts, part B will cover any surgery and any corrective eyeglasses. You will likely to pay 20 percent of the costs out-of-pocket up to your deductible. 

What Is the Best Medicare Plan for Vision Needs?

Although part B covers problems related to cataracts, part C and part D plans offer the most comprehensive vision coverage. Part C plans cover routine eye exams, glasses and contact lenses, and other vision-related products. Part D plans also cover prescriptions, such as eye drops or additional medications you may need to correct your vision. Keep in mind that different plans may require additional or add-on costs. 

As patients age or experience an acceleration of vision problems, it may be worth the additional costs to get comprehensive coverage. If individuals also have genetic or family histories of eye problems like cataracts, they may want to opt for Medicare plan B or higher. Though many younger patients may be tempted to skip routine eye exams, they become more important as a person ages. The average cost of an exam is $200 before any corrective products like glasses or eye drops.

When Can I Schedule an Appointment with an Eye Doctor Near Me?

Once you find an office you like, you may be able to schedule an appointment online. However, some patients like to interview or consult with the doctor first before making a decision. For those in the Riverside area, you are welcome to contact us at SoCal Optometry in Riverside, CA today! We can work with your insurance coverage and inform you of any out-of-pocket costs, including co-payments before you visit us.