Glaucoma screenings
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers glaucoma screenings if you’re at high risk
Description
Glaucoma screenings painlessly check your vision and optic nerve health to look for signs of the eye disease glaucoma.
Who's eligible
Medicare covers glaucoma screenings if you’re at high risk for developing glaucoma because at least one of these conditions applies:
- 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.
Provider requirements
An eye doctor who’s legally allowed to do glaucoma tests in your state must do or supervise your screening.
Costs
- After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount .
- In a hospital outpatient setting , you also pay a copayment .
How often
If you’re at high risk, you can get a glaucoma screening once every 12 months.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
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