Medicare's coverage for eyeglasses and hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for eyeglasses or hearing aids. Medicare will cover the eye exam that detects the need for glasses, and it covers cataract surgery and some other eye procedures, but the glasses themselves are not covered. Hearing aids are not covered at all under Original Medicare, though hearing tests are.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover eyeglasses or hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by year. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to check your plan documents or call the plan directly — the coverage is not automatic and not the same across all plans.
Medicaid, the separate program for lower-income people, covers eyeglasses in most states and hearing aids in some states. Veterans may have separate coverage through the VA. These are different from Medicare and have their own rules.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare covers the eye exam but not the eyeglasses themselves, and does not cover hearing aids at all.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include eyeglass or hearing aid coverage, but you must check your specific plan's documents or call the plan to know what yours covers.
- If you need eyeglasses or hearing aids and Original Medicare does not cover them, Medicaid, the VA, or a Medicare Advantage plan may be an option depending on your income and military service.
- Discount programs and retailers that offer reduced prices on eyeglasses and hearing aids exist outside Medicare but are not part of any government program.
What Original Medicare covers for eyes and hearing
Original Medicare covers an eye exam once every 12 months if you have diabetes or a history of glaucoma. For people without these conditions, Medicare does not cover routine eye exams at all. When the exam finds that you need glasses, Medicare stops there — the glasses are your cost.
Medicare does cover certain eye procedures: cataract surgery, treatment for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. It also covers one pair of glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. But standard eyeglasses for distance or reading are not covered.
For hearing, Medicare covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — not for a routine hearing check. Hearing aids themselves are not covered under any circumstance in Original Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage plans handle eyeglasses and hearing aids
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Many plans do add coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, or both. Some plans cover an eye exam and a set amount toward glasses each year. Others cover hearing aids up to a certain dollar limit.
The catch is that coverage is not standard across plans. Plan A might cover $150 per year for eyeglasses while Plan B covers $300. One plan might cover hearing aids; another might not. The coverage also changes from year to year, so what your plan covered last year may not be what it covers this year.
To find out what your Medicare Advantage plan covers, read the plan's Summary of Benefits document, which you should have received when you joined. If you cannot find it, call the plan's customer service number — it is on your insurance card. Ask specifically whether eyeglasses and hearing aids are covered, what the annual limit is, and whether you need a referral or prior approval.
Medicaid coverage for eyeglasses and hearing aids
Medicaid is a separate program from Medicare, run by states for people with lower income. Most states cover eyeglasses through Medicaid, though the coverage varies — some states cover one pair per year, others cover more. Hearing aid coverage through Medicaid is less common but does exist in some states.
To know whether you are covered, you need to contact your state's Medicaid office or your Medicaid managed care plan if you are enrolled in one. Income limits and coverage rules differ by state, so what is covered in one state may not be in another.
If you are on both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may cover eyeglasses and hearing aids that Medicare does not. Your state Medicaid office can tell you what is covered under your specific situation.
Veterans' coverage through the VA
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may cover eyeglasses and hearing aids through its own health system. VA coverage is separate from Medicare and depends on your service history and disability rating.
To learn what the VA covers, contact your local VA medical center or call the VA benefits line. You do not need to be on Medicare to use VA benefits, and VA coverage does not affect your Medicare benefits.
What to do if you need eyeglasses or hearing aids and Medicare does not cover them
If you are on Original Medicare and need eyeglasses or hearing aids, your options are to pay out of pocket, check whether you are also covered by Medicaid or the VA, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this coverage. Switching plans is only possible during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year), unless you have a may have access to life event.
Some people use discount programs or retailers that offer reduced prices on eyeglasses and hearing aids. These are not government programs and are not connected to Medicare, but they can lower the cost. Optometrists' offices, chain retailers, and some online sellers offer these discounts. The savings vary, and quality varies too, so compare prices before you buy.
If cost is the barrier, ask your eye doctor or hearing aid provider whether they offer payment plans or whether they know of local nonprofits that help pay for these items. Some communities have programs that donate or subsidize eyeglasses and hearing aids for older adults.
How to check your Medicare Advantage plan's coverage
Your Medicare Advantage plan's coverage for eyeglasses and hearing aids is in the Summary of Benefits document. This document lists what is covered, what you pay out of pocket, and any limits or restrictions. You should have received it when you joined the plan, and it is also available on the plan's website.
If you cannot find the document or do not understand what it says, call the plan's customer service number. Have your member ID ready. Ask: "Does my plan cover eyeglasses? Does it cover hearing aids? What is the annual limit? Do I need a referral?" Write down the answers and ask for them to be sent to you in writing so you have a record.
If you are thinking about switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan because of eyeglass or hearing aid coverage, compare the plans during the annual enrollment period. Medicare.gov has a plan comparison tool that shows what each plan covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for an eye exam?
Original Medicare covers one eye exam per year if you have diabetes or a history of glaucoma. If you do not have either condition, Medicare does not cover routine eye exams. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover eye exams for all members, so check your plan documents.
Can I get hearing aids through Medicare?
No, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover them, but you must check your specific plan. If you are also on Medicaid or are a veteran, those programs may cover hearing aids depending on your state or service history.
What if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that covers eyeglasses?
You can switch during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event like moving or losing other coverage. Once you join a plan, you are locked in until the next enrollment period, so make sure the plan covers what you need before you switch.
Does Medicaid cover eyeglasses and hearing aids?
Most states cover eyeglasses through Medicaid, though the amount and frequency vary. Hearing aid coverage is less common but available in some states. Contact your state's Medicaid office to learn what is covered where you live.
Are there discount programs for eyeglasses and hearing aids if Medicare does not cover them?
Yes, many retailers and optometrists offer discount programs or reduced prices on eyeglasses and hearing aids. These are not government programs, but they can lower your cost. Compare prices and ask about payment plans before you buy.