Think Medicare Covers All Your Vision Care?

Many people are surprised to learn that routine eye exams, glasses, and lens enhancements may not be covered the way they expect under Medicare. A VSP Individual Vision Plan can help fill common gaps with benefits designed for everyday eye care.

Plans starting at $13/month

See Plans

Medicare's Got Me Covered

Many people think so - until they learn the truth about routine vision coverage

What Medicare Covers vs. What You May Still Need

Vision Need

Original Medicare

VSP Individual Vision Plan

Eye exams to update your prescription

Original Medicare Not typically covered

VSP Individual Vision Plan Covered

New glasses

Original Medicare Not typically covered

VSP Individual Vision Plan Covered

Lens enhancements

Original Medicare Not typically covered

VSP Individual Vision Plan Covered

Eye disease treatment

Original Medicare Covered when medically necessary

VSP Individual Vision Plan Medical coverage not included

Eye injury treatment

Original Medicare Covered when medically necessary

VSP Individual Vision Plan Medical coverage not included

See VSP Plans

Why choose a VSP Individual Vision Plan?

Affordable benefits for the vision care you need.

Save on what you need

VSP members save an average of over $360 a year.^†

Complete your vision coverage

You can have VSP even if you have Medicare.

Large network of doctors

Access thousands of VSP network doctors nationwide, including private practices and retailers.

^† Savings based on state and national averages for eye exams and most commonly purchased brands and lens enhancements. This number represents average savings for VSP members at in-network providers. Your actual savings will depend on the eyewear you choose, your plan, the eye doctor you visit, your copays, and your premium. Source: VSP book-of-business paid claims data for Aug-Jan of each prior year.

Medicare Vision Coverage FAQs

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine eye exams for prescription glasses or contact lenses. Medicare may cover certain eye services related to specific medical conditions or treatments, but routine vision care is typically not included.

Many people choose a VSP Individual Vision Plan to help pay for routine eye exams, eyewear, and other ongoing vision care needs.

Original Medicare generally does not cover most glasses or contact lenses used to correct vision. Coverage for eyewear may be available in certain limited circumstances, such as after specific medical procedures.

Some Medicare Advantage plans include an eyewear allowance, but benefits and coverage amounts vary by plan. Many people with a Medicare Advantage plan find that benefits do not cover all their needs and find that supplementing coverage with a VSP Individual Vision Plan helps them save more and better manage and anticipate their vision costs.

In most cases, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do not add routine vision coverage. While Medigap plans can help cover certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs associated with Original Medicare, they generally do not include benefits for routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses.

As a result, many people with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan remain responsible for routine vision care expenses.

Yes. Vision insurance can be purchased separately from Medicare coverage. Stand-alone vision plans are designed to help provide benefits for routine eye care and eyewear, regardless of whether you have Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement coverage, or a Medicare Advantage plan.

That depends on your eye doctor and the network associated with your Medicare-provided vision coverage. Before enrolling in any vision plan, it's always a good idea to check whether your preferred eye doctor participates in the plan's network.

A broad provider network like the one you can access as a VSP Individual Vision Plan member, may help increase the likelihood that you can continue seeing the eye care professional you know and trust.

Many Medicare Advantage plans may include some vision benefits, but coverage can vary. Plans may offer limited allowances, network restrictions, or other benefit restrictions. That’s why many Medicare beneficiaries explore additional vision coverage to help support their routine eye care and eyewear needs; reducing surprise out-of-pocket expenses that can occur when they go to utilize their vision benefits. The right choice depends on your current coverage, vision care needs, and budget.

Live Assistance Available

We’re here to help.

You probably don’t think about vision insurance every day, so we understand you may have some questions. Speak with a vision plan consultant today.

Call 800.785.0699

Live Assistance Available

We’re here to help.

Call 800.785.0699

You probably don’t think about vision insurance every day, so we understand you may have some questions. Speak with a vision plan consultant today.

For a Limited Time

VSP^® Members Get an Extra $20

to Spend on Featured Frame Brands^*

Coverage with retail chains may be different or not apply.

^*Frame brands and offer subject to change. Only available to VSP members with applicable plan benefits. Only available at in-network locations.

Check your Medicare Plan to see if your vision care needs are covered. And/or if a VSP Individual Vision Plan is right for you. VSP Individual Vision Plans does not coordinate benefits with Medicare.

Think Medicare Covers All Your Vision Care?

Medicare's Got Me Covered

What Medicare Covers vs. What You May Still Need

Why choose a VSP Individual Vision Plan?

Medicare Vision Coverage FAQs

VSP® Members Get an Extra $20

VSP^® Members Get an Extra $20