Medicare.gov

Glaucoma tests

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

 covers glaucoma tests once every 12 months if you’re at high risk for developing the eye disease glaucoma. You’re considered at high risk if at least one of these conditions applies to you:

  • You have diabetes
  • You have a family history of glaucoma
  • You’re African American and age 50 or older
  • You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older

Your costs in Original Medicare

  • After you meet the Part B deductible [glossary] , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount .
  • In a  hospital outpatient setting , you also 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.

Things to know

An eye doctor who’s legally allowed to do glaucoma tests in your state must do or supervise your screening.

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