Medicare vision coverage: cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye exams and AMD

Original Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, or most glasses. It does cover medical eye care. Under Part B, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible, plus a copay in a hospital outpatient setting.

Cataract surgery

• Part B may cover cataract surgery that implants a conventional intraocular lens.
• In a hospital outpatient department or surgery center, you pay 20% to both the facility and the surgeon after the deductible.
• After each cataract surgery with a lens implant, Medicare covers one pair of glasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses. Get them from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.

Glaucoma screening

Once every 12 months if you're at high risk: you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, are African American and 50 or older, or are Hispanic and 65 or older. An eye doctor licensed to do the screening in your state must do or supervise it.

Diabetic eye exams

If you have diabetes, Part B covers an eye exam for diabetic retinopathy once a year by an eye doctor licensed to do it in your state.

Macular degeneration

Part B may cover certain tests and treatments for age-related macular degeneration, including some injected drugs. You pay 20% for the drug and the doctor's services, plus a facility copay in a hospital outpatient setting.

Routine vision care

For routine eye exams and glasses, look at Medicare Advantage plans, many of which include some vision benefits, or a separate vision plan. See dental, vision and hearing.