When we talk to people who are getting ready to join Medicare, one of the biggest questions they have is, “What do I do about my vision coverage?”
This is a very important question, especially if you wear eye glasses or contacts or want to prepare for vision changes in the future.
It’s important to understand that Medicare will only cover procedures that are medically necessary.
For example, if you need to have cataracts removed, that would be considered medically necessary and medicare will cover it now.
Also, if you are at a high risk for glaucoma, Medicare will cover a glaucoma test once every 12 months by an eye doctor who meets Medicare rules.
Medicare considers you to have a high risk for glaucoma if:
- You have diabetes.
- You have a family history of glaucoma.
- You’re African American and 50 or older.
- You’re Hispanic and 65 or older.
Medicare will not cover preventative services, like the cost of going to the doctor or your optometrist every year for your checkup. It will also not cover things like eye glasses or contacts.
However, there are a few options to get vision coverage once you join Medicare
Option 1: Some Medicare Advantage plans cover additional vision services. Look closely at the plan details about what it covers and what it costs before you finalize your decision.
Option 2: If you choose Original Medicare, you can get additional insurance to cover the non-medically necessary vision services.
We recently worked with a client in Massachusetts and we were able to get her a hearing and vision plan for less than $10 a month.
Whether you choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare, our recommendation is to not pick a plan based on the additional “perks” for things like vision. It’s important that you pick a plan that is best for your overall health and well being.
We have seen and worked with many people who have made their decision solely on perks and have later regretted it.
Pick a plan that will let you see your doctors and has the lowest overall cost. When it comes to vision, you can always get additional coverage on the side for a small price.
Medicare can be confusing and misleading, especially when it comes to additional coverage for things like vision. Be sure that you understand what your choices are and don’t be subject to being influenced by marketing that doesn’t have your best interest in mind.
