Does Medicare cover eyeglasses and contact lenses?

From there, you can click through to see a list of all Medicare Advantage plans in your area. A green check mark notes ✓ Vision in the Plan Benefits list. You can narrow the list by clicking on Filter by: Plan Benefits, checking the box beside ☐ Vision coverage, and hitting the Apply button.

For more information about each plan’s vision coverage, click Plan Details and either scroll down to Extra Benefits or click on the tab with that name. Under Vision, you’ll see whether the plan has a copay for routine eye exams, glasses, contacts and other covered services and what limits might apply.

You also can go to a plan’s website or contact the plan directly for more information. Some plans require using an in-network provider and getting prior authorization for some vision services.

Can I get other coverage for glasses and contacts?

Yes, you can get some help paying for glasses — and contacts:

Medicaid. If you qualify for this joint federal-state or federal-territory program that provides health insurance for people with low incomes, you may have some coverage for glasses. The rules vary a lot by location.

Some states and territories cover one pair of glasses every two years, some every five years, and others pay for glasses only if you have cataract surgery. A few Medicaid programs won’t cover glasses for adults. Contact your state Medicaid program to learn more.

Retiree coverage. Many retiree health plans have some coverage for glasses and contacts. Check your plan’s website or call your benefits administrator for details.

Veterans benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will cover the cost of glasses if you have a service-connected disability and are receiving VA disability payments or if you were awarded a Purple Heart or meet other service-related criteria. The VA is a separate health care system from Medicare.

If you’re receiving VA care for an illness or injury that is causing vision problems, such as cataract surgery, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke or traumatic brain injury you may be able to get coverage for glasses. To find out more, contact a VA health facility near you.

Vision insurance or discount programs. With a private vision insurance policy, you pay annual premiums and usually have a copayment for eye exams, glasses or contacts and an annual vision coverage maximum. With a discount program, you pay a monthly fee for discounted eye exams, glasses and contacts within a network of doctors and vision centers.

AARP members have access to vision insurance and discounts at national optical chains through EyeMed MyVision Care.

Keep in mind

A few Medigap companies let you add an optional package of extra benefits that cover some in-network vision, dental and hearing exams and one pair of glasses or contacts each year, up to an annual limit.

The end of a year, before the start of a school year and holidays can be a good time to look for sales on prescription eyewear, often the frames. If you like a style at one retailer, ask when it will be on sale, when coupons are offered or whether the store has discounts based on age or organizations where you might have a membership.

Comparison shop at membership warehouses with vision centers and online retailers. Money from a health savings account (HSA) that you contributed to before you enrolled in Medicare can be used for glasses. And if the frames you’re wearing now are in good shape, see if new lenses only will cut your costs significantly.

Updated July 14, 2023

Return to Medicare Q&A main page