Medicare.gov

Eye exams (for diabetes)

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers eye exams for diabetic retinopathy once each year if you have diabetes. The exam must be done by an eye doctor who’s legally allowed to do the test in your state.

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor's services. In a hospital outpatient setting , you pay a copayment .

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

Related resources

Is my test, item, or service covered?