Does Medicare Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
No, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover LASIK eye surgery, because it's considered an elective surgery and not medically necessary.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may include routine vision coverage, but LASIK eye surgery may or may not be included in those benefits.
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Medicare Advantage plans may cover LASIK and other vision care
Medicare Advantage is a privately-sold alternative to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) that combines the same hospital and medical benefits into one plan.
Most Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, including vision care.
A Medicare Advantage plan that offers vision benefits may cover routine vision care, such as:
- Corrective glasses lenses
- Frames
- Contact lenses
- Routine eye exams
You are likely eligible for Medicare Advantage if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and live in a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer vision benefits, and the vision benefits included in your plan may not include coverage for LASIK surgery. Check with your Medicare Advantage plan provider for more information.
Original Medicare may cover some medically necessary vision care
Although Original Medicare does not cover routine vision care, it may cover some vision care that is considered medically necessary, such as:
- Cataract surgery, if ordered by a doctor
- An annual vision exam, if you have diabetes
- Eyeglasses or contacts, if you’ve had cataracts surgery
- An annual vision exam, if you are at high risk of glaucoma
If you require any of the above vision care, speak with your doctor to find out if Medicare will help cover some of the costs.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it will cover the same eligible services listed above if they are qualified to be covered by Medicare Part A or Part B.
Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that covers vision care
If you decide you want a Medicare Advantage plan, a licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area that may include the vision benefits you need.
Find Medicare Advantage plans that cover vision care
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About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
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