According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 65 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicare as of 2025, and roughly 24 million of them are over age 75—an age group with a significantly higher rate of vision-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Many beneficiaries wonder whether Medicare covers glasses, especially after cataract surgery, routine eye exams, or age-related vision changes.

Does Medicare Cover Glasses?

Medicare only covers glasses in one main situation: after cataract surgery that involves an intraocular lens (IOL). Routine vision exams, eyeglass frames, and contact lenses are generally not covered under Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

What Medicare Part A Covers (Hospital Insurance)?

Medicare Part A covers:

• Hospital stays
• Inpatient surgeries
• Skilled nursing care

But when it comes to glasses? Part A covers $0 toward eyeglasses.

No frames.
No lenses.
No routine exams.

Part A kicks in only if your vision issue involves a hospital stay (for example: a complex eye injury requiring hospitalization). Still, it will not pay for glasses afterward.

What Medicare Part B Covers (Medical Insurance)?

Medicare Part B is where vision-related benefits get interesting.

Part B covers one pair of glasses only if:

You had cataract surgery that included implantation of an intraocular lens.

And Medicare Part B pays:

• 80% of the cost of standard lenses
• 80% of the cost of basic frames
  (After you meet your annual Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025.)

Part B does not cover:

• Routine eye exams
• Prescription glasses
• Contact lenses
• Fashion frames
• Vision correction surgeries (LASIK, PRK)

Medicare Part B covers only standard frames. If you choose designer frames, Medicare covers the cost of the basic option, and you pay the difference.

How Much Will You Pay?

You had cataract surgery and need standard glasses costing $110 for frame, $95 for standard lenses, and the total cost is $205.

Medicare Part B pays 80% = $164

You pay 20%, which is: $41 out of pocket.

If you choose upgraded frames costing $250 instead of $110:

• Medicare still covers 80% of the $110 standard allowance
• You pay the extra $140 + the 20% coinsurance

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Glasses

This is where many people save money.

Medicare Advantage usually includes:

• Routine eye exams
• Glasses
• Contact lenses
• Allowances (typically $100–$350 per year)

About 99% of Medicare Advantage plans offer some level of vision coverage in 2025 (Source: KFF.org, Kaiser Family Foundation).

Example of a typical 2025 Medicare Advantage vision benefit:

• One eye exam per year
• $150–$300 allowance for glasses or contacts
• Coverage for transitions, progressives, or anti-glare lenses

But every plan differs, so checking the provider’s 2025 Summary of Benefits is crucial.

Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) and Glasses

Many people assume Medigap covers glasses.
Unfortunately… Medigap does NOT cover eyeglasses, vision exams, or contact lenses. Medigap only helps pay:

• Part A and B coinsurance
• Deductibles
• Copayments

It never adds new services like vision. Only Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers that.

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams?

Medicare Covers:

1. Annual diabetic eye exam for patients with diabetes.
2. Glaucoma test once a year for high-risk individuals:
   • African Americans age 50+
   • Hispanic Americans age 65+
   • Patients with diabetes
   • Patients with a family history of glaucoma
3. Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment

Medicare Does NOT Cover:

• Routine vision exams
• Refraction tests
• Glasses or contacts (except post-cataract surgery)

Learn More: Life Alert Costs: Monthly Fees, Hidden Charges & Pricing

Does Medicare Cover Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

Yes—this is the most important exception. You are covered when:

• Cataract surgery included an intraocular lens implant, and
• You need eyeglasses or contacts afterward

Medicare Part B covers:

• One pair of glasses OR
• One set of contact lenses
  After each cataract surgery.

If you have cataract surgery on both eyes, you can get coverage for both.

Cataract Surgery (2025 Average Costs)

According to the National Eye Institute, over 4.2 million cataract surgeries occur every year in the U.S.

Service	Avg. Cost	Medicare Pays	You Pay
Surgery (one eye)	$3,200–$4,000	80%	20%
Standard IOL	Included	Included	$0
Glasses after surgery	$90–$250	80%	20%

Upgraded lenses (multifocal, toric, extended-depth lenses) are not covered, so you pay the full cost if you choose a premium IOL.

Does Medicare Cover Contacts?

Original Medicare covers contacts only if: They are required after cataract surgery.

Routine contacts for nearsightedness or farsightedness are not covered by Parts A or B. Medicare Advantage plans often include:

• Contact lens allowance
• Fitting exams
• Discounts on specialty lenses

Differences Between Medicare Plans for Vision Care

Medicare Plan	Glasses Covered?	Eye Exams?	Special Notes
Part A	No	No	Hospital care only
Part B	Only after cataract surgery	Only medical exams	Covers 80%
Medigap	No	No	Only reduces coinsurance
Medicare Advantage	Usually yes	Usually yes	Best vision benefits
Standalone Vision Plan	Yes	Yes	Purchase separately

How Much Do Glasses Cost Without Medicare?

U.S. averages for 2025:

• Standard frames: $120–$180
• Lenses: $60–$140
• Progressive lenses: $200–$350
• Anti-glare coating: $50–$90

Total average cost: $230–$480. That’s exactly why so many seniors turn to Medicare Advantage or private vision plans.

When Medicare Will Cover Glasses (4 Situations)?

Medicare will cover glasses only in these four scenarios:

1. After cataract surgery with an IOL
2. If medically necessary for post-operative recovery
3. If you receive gas-permeable lenses for certain corneal conditions
4. If a doctor certifies glasses are part of a therapeutic treatment

Alternative Options for Seniors Needing Affordable Glasses

Because Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine glasses, many people turn to:

1. Medicare Advantage Vision Benefits

Usually the best option.

2. Standalone Vision Plans

Companies like:

• VSP
• EyeMed
• Humana
  Plans cost $12–$22 per month and include glasses benefits.

3. Retailer Discounts (Examples)

• Costco Optical
• Walmart Vision
• America’s Best
• Sam’s Club Optical

4. Nonprofits

Some offer discounted eyewear to low-income seniors.

Final Thoughts

Medicare’s coverage for glasses is pretty limited, and that surprises many people. Original Medicare only helps when you’re recovering from cataract surgery, and even then, it covers just one pair of glasses or one set of contacts.

If you want routine eye exams, yearly glasses, or upgrades like progressives or transitions, a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone vision plan is usually the best move.

Vision changes can sneak up on anyone, especially after age 65. Having the right Medicare plan can save hundreds of dollars each year on exams and eyewear—and give you peace of mind knowing you’re covered when it counts.

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