Taking care of your eyes and keeping tabs on your vision is important at any age, but even more important as we get older. With age comes an increased risk for vision loss due to long-term chronic disease (like diabetes), habits such as smoking, extreme UV exposure, or a family history of eye disease. Because eye health and vision are important, it is also important to know what Medicare benefits are available. 

Original Medicare does not cover eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You pay 100% for eye exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like vision, hearing, or dental. For more information about Medicare Advantage plan benefits, contact the plan. 

If you have diabetes, Medicare Part B covers eye exams for diabetic retinopathy once each year. It is important to get this exam from an eye doctor who is legally allowed to do the test in your state. More information about this can be found here: Eye exams for diabetes. 

Glaucoma screenings are covered by Medicare Part B once every 12 months if you are at a high risk for developing glaucoma. You are considered high risk if at least one of these conditions applies: diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, you are African American and 50 or older, or you are Hispanic and 65 or older. More information about this can be found here: Medicare coverage of glaucoma screenings. 

Another issue impacting eye health and vision as we age is macular degeneration. If you have age-related macular degeneration, Medicare Part B may cover certain diagnostic tests and treatment. Information can be found here: macular degeneration tests & treatment. 

What is most important in all of this is that you talk to your doctor or health care provider about the cost of these tests, as the specific amount you owe may depend on a variety of factors. You can also contact Medicare directly, 1-800-633-4227, to find out if your exams will be covered and what, if anything, you may owe.