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Eyeglasses & contact lenses

Medicare doesn’t usually cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However,  Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)  helps pay for corrective lenses if you have cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. Corrective lenses include one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay 100% for non-covered services, including most eyeglasses or contact lenses. After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the  Medicare-Approved Amount  for corrective lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens. You pay any additional costs for upgraded frames. Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses from a supplier enrolled in Medicare, no matter if you or your supplier submits the claim.

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.

Things to know

Medicare covers cataract surgery if it’s done using traditional surgical techniques or using lasers.

Note

Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover - like vision, hearing, or dental. Contact the plan for more information.

Related resources

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