Medicare (Age 65+)

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses, but it covers medically necessary vision care and prescription drugs under Part D.

Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15–December 7

Each year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this period, people with Medicare can review their coverage and make certain changes to their Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage. Changes generally take effect on January 1.

Look carefully at your eye care benefits when comparing plans.

Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare does not, including some vision services. However, benefits differ from plan to plan. Check exactly what eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses, retinal services and other vision-related services are covered—and what you will have to pay.

Vision benefits are not the same as medical eye care.

A plan may offer an allowance for glasses or routine vision services but have different rules for treatment of an eye disease. If you have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts or another eye condition, check the plan’s coverage for your specific treatment—not just its “vision benefit.”

Medicare changes are coming in 2027

Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans will have changes in 2027. This may affect plan choices, prescription drug coverage, enrollment and other aspects of your Medicare coverage.

Before choosing a plan, compare the plan’s benefits, costs, doctors, pharmacies, and prescription coverage for 2027.

If you take medication for an eye condition or another chronic condition, make sure your prescriptions are covered by your 2027 plan.

Medicine for eyes and vision

Medicare Part D is an optional prescription drug plan offered by private companies that covers the cost of eye medications.

Some specific medications, such as those for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, are covered under Medicare Part B.

Formulary

The list of specific covered drugs (formulary) and associated costs varies by your Part D plan.

Corrective Lenses

Original Medicare will pay for one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if you have cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant.

Where can I find out more?

Common questions about vision coverage

Medicare Benefits and Your Eyes

Patient and Financial Assistance Programs

Fact Sheets

External Resource

Eye Care Access and Advocacy

Issues that can impact eye care

Sign up for advocacy alerts

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

These privately offered plans often bundle vision and prescription drug coverage into their benefits

Cosmetic or elective eye care

Cosmetic or elective vision services such as Lasik or Botox typically are not covered.

Medicare and Medicaid Dual Eligible

To be dual eligible means an individual qualifies for and is enrolled in both Medicare and the state Medicaid program. Original Medicare does not cover a basic eye examination, eyeglasses or contact lenses, however, the Medicaid coverage may include vision benefits. Explore Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), a special Medicare Part C plan specifically for dual eligible individuals.

More about how eye care is covered by each type of insurance.

a working-age woman wearing glasses

a working-age woman wearing glasses

Private/Employer Coverage

Is vision care part of your private insurance or employer health benefits?...

Is vision care part of your private insurance or employer health benefits?...

a middle-aged man wearing glasses.

a middle-aged man wearing glasses.

Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA Plans)

What are the common vision benefits available under coverage from an ACA Exchange plan?...

What are the common vision benefits available under coverage from an ACA Exchange plan?...

a mother and child wearing glasses

a mother and child wearing glasses

Medicaid/Public Insurance

Medicaid and other public insurance benefits may help pay for eye and vision care....

Medicaid and other public insurance benefits may help pay for eye and vision care....

I do not have insurance coverage. How do I access eye care?

Information on this page was reviewed and updated in October 2026. Medicare requirements and implementation procedures may change. Check with Medicare.gov and any Medicare Advantage Plan provider for the most current information about your coverage.