Vision Insurance Plans for Oregon and Washington
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. But as we age, our vision care needs tend to increase—not decrease.
That’s why many choose a
vision insurance plan to help pay for exams, prescription glasses, frames, and more. Whether you wear bifocals, contacts, or simply want annual checkups to protect your sight, we’ll help you find a plan that fits.
Does Medicare Cover Vision Care?
What Medicare Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
Original Medicare only covers vision in very limited cases:
- Eye exams for diabetics
- Glaucoma screenings
- One pair of basic glasses after cataract surgery
It does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, or upgrades like anti-reflective coating. That’s where vision insurance comes in.
What Vision Insurance Typically Includes
- Annual eye exams
- Frame allowance (usually every 12–24 months)
- Prescription lenses or contacts
Discounts on lens coatings and extras - Coverage varies by plan, but most include at least one full exam per year and significant help with glasses.
Is Vision Insurance Right for You?
You may benefit from a vision plan if:
- You wear glasses or contacts and update them regularly
- You want affordable annual exams
- You value proactive eye health and clear sight as you age
Even if you feel your vision is stable, coverage is often low-cost and worth it.
Plans Designed for Retirees
We’ll help you compare vision plans offered by top carriers. Most let you:
- Choose your own optometrist (in-network or out-of-network with benefits)
- Pair with dental plans for savings
- Enroll anytime—no need to wait for Medicare enrollment windows
Some Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits. We can check if yours does and whether it’s enough. If not, a standalone vision plan may help fill in the gaps.
Common Questions About Vision Coverage
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery or glasses?
Yes, cataract surgery is covered under Part B. Medicare will pay for basic post-surgery glasses—but not for ongoing exams or new glasses afterward.
Do I need vision insurance if I have Medicare Advantage?
It depends. Some Advantage plans include limited vision benefits. We can help you review your plan to see if additional coverage is needed.
Can I bundle vision with dental?
Absolutely. Many plans let you combine dental and vision benefits at a discount. See our Dental Insurance page for more.
Source Attribution:
This information was obtained from www.medicare.gov.