Medicare Vision Insurance For Seniors

Michael T. Braden, June 9, 2022, VISION INSURANCE

Medicare Beneficiary Receiving Instructions From Her Optometrist During Her Annual Vision Insurance Eye Examination

MEDICARE DOESN'T COVER ROUTINE VISION INSURANCE

There are a few things that Medicare does not cover.  The top 4 of these are Vision, Hearing, Routine Dental, and Feet.

VISION INSURANCE FOR SENIORS

One of the terms you will need to commit to memory concerning your Medicare coverage is "Medically Necessary". This is the standard Medicare uses to determine whether your Medicare coverage will cover a Medical/Surgical procedure.  Every Doctor must attest that it is medically necessary for you to receive a particular procedure for it to be considered a covered expense.  However, Medicare still has its own rules for specific categories of Health, and in particular, your Vision.

As a point of emphasis, Medicare covers cataract surgery and also covers shots for eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration. However, Medicare has never covered annual Eye Exams, Prescription Lenses, Eyeglass Frames, or Contact Lenses. The cost for these services is typically referred to as OOP (Out Of Pocket) Expenses, meaning that you must cover these costs on your own.

There are a few ways to reduce the cost of Annual or Bi-Annual Eye Exams and new Eyeglasses.  The most overlooked item might be your AAA Card, if you have one.  If you have an AAA Card, check with your Optometrist's office and your preferred Store that sells Prescription eyewear out of pocket to see which discounts they honor with your AAA Card.  Often, there is only a $25- $35 fee for an eye exam, with significant discounts on frames, lenses, and contacts.

The other option is to purchase Vision Insurance from companies that specialize in Vision Insurance. Although I have never seen a Vision Insurance plan that covers everything, most Plans offer significant discounts and savings to help you keep your expenses down.  On the next page, you will find links to review the benefits and monthly costs of the Vision Plans we carry at Braden MSI Insurance.

Lastly, my wife Tami and I both wear glasses.  We have had good and so-so Out-of-pocket costs with different Vision Plans over the years, just like you have.  Here are a few other things you might consider that might be beneficial to you, and of course, save you some money as well:

• If you are a Veteran of Military Service, see if you are entitled to any VA Benefits.

• If you are not too hung up on fashion, Nationwide Vision and America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses are generally considered the least expensive places to get Eyeglasses.  You may not find as many "Designer" Frames and Styles, but a serviceable pair of plastic frames can save you significant money.

• If you like fashion and designer looks, search online for Eyeglasses or Frames.  You can find many stylish frames at significant savings, and most of the time, you can enter your Prescription, and they will have the glasses made and shipped to you.

• If you are not sure of the correct Frame size, check the numbers on the inside of the temple arms of your current glasses.

• If you have not already heard, most Onsite Labs have closed due to COVID-19. Companies like Pearle Vision, LensCrafters, and EyeMasters send their Frames out for manufacturing, and it takes 2-3 weeks to receive them.

• If you have a Sam's Club or Costco Membership, it is worth checking out their selection, as their prices are usually quite competitive.

• You can also save money by searching for Plans that cover a new pair of glasses every two years rather than every year.