America's Best Vision accepts Original Medicare and some Medicare Advantage plans, but coverage varies by location and plan type.

America's Best Vision is an optical retailer with locations across the United States that fills prescriptions for glasses and contacts, and performs eye exams. Whether your Medicare covers a visit there depends on which Medicare plan you have and which specific America's Best location you visit. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine eye exams or glasses, so you would pay out of pocket at America's Best unless you have a supplemental vision plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits that cover eye exams and glasses or contacts, and some of those plans have agreements with America's Best.

The most direct way to learn about your specific plan works at your local America's Best is to call that store location directly with your Medicare card in hand, or to call your plan's customer service number and ask whether America's Best Vision is in-network. Plans change their networks and coverage amounts year to year, so even if you went there last year, you should confirm this year.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses, so you would pay the full cost at America's Best unless you have a separate vision plan.
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans include vision coverage and may have in-network agreements with America's Best, but this varies by plan and location.
  • You should contact your specific America's Best location or call your plan's customer service to confirm whether that store is in-network for your plan.
  • Even if America's Best was in-network last year, you must check again each year because plan networks and benefits change annually.
  • If America's Best is not in-network for your plan, you can still go there and pay out of pocket, or find an in-network provider through your plan's website or customer service.

How Original Medicare handles vision care

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. This is a significant gap for many seniors, since vision needs often increase with age. If you have Original Medicare and want coverage for these services, you would need to purchase a standalone vision plan from a private insurance company, or pay out of pocket when you visit an eye doctor or optical retailer.

Original Medicare does cover certain eye conditions that are medical problems rather than routine vision correction. For example, if you have diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration, Medicare may cover the exam and treatment related to that condition. In those cases, you would see an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye disease) rather than an optometrist, and the visit would be covered under Part B. America's Best is an optical retailer, not a medical eye clinic, so this distinction matters.

Medicare Advantage vision benefits and in-network providers

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are required by law to cover at least the same services as Original Medicare, but many go further and include vision benefits that Original Medicare does not. These benefits often cover an annual eye exam, a set dollar amount toward glasses or contacts, or both. The exact coverage—how much the plan pays, whether you need to pay a copay, and which providers are in-network—depends on the specific plan you chose.

America's Best Vision may be in-network for some Medicare Advantage plans in your area and out-of-network for others. In-network means the plan has negotiated rates with that provider, and you pay less out of pocket. Out-of-network means you either pay more or must pay the full cost yourself. Some plans do not have any agreements with America's Best at all, even in areas where the store has locations.

To find out whether America's Best is in-network for your plan, log into your plan's website and search their provider directory, or call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card. Have your plan name and member ID ready. You can also call your local America's Best directly and ask which Medicare Advantage plans they accept.

What to bring and what to expect at America's Best

When you visit America's Best, bring your Medicare card and your insurance card (if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a supplemental vision plan). If you are unsure whether your plan covers the visit, call ahead so the store can verify your coverage before you arrive. This prevents surprises at checkout.

America's Best offers eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. If your plan covers an eye exam, the exam itself should be covered in full or with a small copay. If your plan includes a glasses or contact lens benefit, it usually comes as a set dollar amount—for example, $150 toward frames and lenses, or $120 toward contacts. If the frames or lenses cost more than that amount, you pay the difference. If they cost less, you may not owe anything, depending on your plan's rules.

Some Medicare Advantage plans require you to use a specific in-network provider for vision care in order to get the benefit. If America's Best is not that provider, you would need to go elsewhere to use your vision benefit. Check your plan documents or call customer service to confirm which providers are covered under your vision benefit.

If America's Best is not in-network for your plan

If America's Best Vision is not in-network for your Medicare plan, you have two main options. You can still visit America's Best and pay out of pocket for the full cost of the exam, glasses, or contacts. You would not receive any insurance payment, but you are free to go there if you prefer that location.

Alternatively, you can find an in-network provider through your plan's website or by calling customer service. Your plan can tell you which optical retailers or eye doctors are in-network near you. Using an in-network provider means your plan will help pay for the services, so your out-of-pocket cost is lower.

Standalone vision plans for Original Medicare beneficiaries

If you have Original Medicare and want vision coverage, you can purchase a standalone vision plan from a private insurance company. These plans are separate from Medicare and cost an additional monthly premium, typically between $10 and $25 per month depending on the plan and your location. They cover routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, usually with an annual benefit amount.

Some standalone vision plans have networks of providers, including America's Best in certain areas. When you shop for a standalone vision plan, check whether America's Best is listed as an in-network provider in your area. You can also call America's Best directly and ask which standalone vision plans they accept.

Standalone vision plans are sold by companies like VSP, EyeMed, and others. You can search for plans through your state's health insurance marketplace or through private insurance brokers. Compare the monthly cost, the annual eye exam benefit, the glasses or contact lens benefit, and the in-network providers before you choose.

Questions to ask your plan or America's Best

Before you schedule an appointment at America's Best, gather the following information so you understand what your plan will and will not pay. Call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your card) or America's Best directly and ask these questions:

  • Is America's Best Vision in-network for my plan?
  • Does my plan cover routine eye exams, and if so, how much does it pay?
  • Does my plan cover glasses or contact lenses, and what is the annual benefit amount?
  • Do I need to pay a copay for the exam or for glasses?
  • Do I need a referral or prior authorization before I go?
  • If America's Best is out-of-network, will my plan pay anything toward the cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Original Medicare at America's Best?

Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or glasses, so you would pay the full cost at America's Best unless you have a separate vision plan. If you have a medical eye condition like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, Medicare may cover treatment, but you would see a medical eye doctor, not an optical retailer.

How do I know if my Medicare Advantage plan covers America's Best?

Call the customer service number on your Medicare Advantage card and ask whether America's Best Vision is in-network for your plan. You can also log into your plan's website and search their provider directory. Call your local America's Best and ask which Medicare Advantage plans they accept.

What if I go to America's Best and my plan does not cover it?

You can still visit America's Best and pay out of pocket for the full cost of the exam and glasses or contacts. Alternatively, you can find an in-network provider through your plan and use your vision benefit there instead.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment at America's Best?

Bring your Medicare card and your insurance card (if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or standalone vision plan). Call ahead to verify your coverage so there are no surprises at checkout.

Can I buy a vision plan that works at America's Best if I have Original Medicare?

Yes. You can purchase a standalone vision plan from a private insurance company. When you shop for plans, check whether America's Best is in-network in your area. Standalone vision plans typically cost $10 to $25 per month and cover eye exams and glasses or contacts.