Vision benefits from Medicare and Medicaid

[kiyakiashita]

Generally, various vision cares are included in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Before accessing to vision services, you should get a clear knowledge of what kind of Medicare plans and what type of vision care can be available.

For the participants in the Medicaid programs, there are four parts of vision care from the Medicare’s policy. Hospital insurance (HI) covers part of costs when you are in a hospital, rehabilitation facility or hospice. Sometimes homecare costs are also covered by hospital insurance. Vision problems like eye emergencies from trauma would be covered here. Medical Insurance (MI) covers part of costs of doctor visit and some medical services not covered by HI. Those related to eye diseases vision problems would be covered by MI. Medicare advantage (MA) is usually for Medicare participants enrolled in HI and MI. MA charges more and provides more benefits including the coverage of routine eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lens and the like. Typically, MA always contracts with federal government. Eye drops for glaucoma treatments can be covered by coverage for prescription drugs.

Both HI and MI don’t cover the costs of routine eye examination. But Medicare policyholders who have enrolled in HI and MI can enjoy allowance for some types of vision coverage, such as glaucoma screening and cataract surgery. Some studies have shown that glaucoma is usually related to diabetes. As a comprehensive exam, Glaucoma screening includes dilation and intraocular pressure measurement. Cataract surgery will replace your eye’s natural crystalline with an intraocular lens. And Medicare will cover the basic costs of lenses. Of course, you can pay extra for new multifocal intraocular lenses if you don’t want to wear eyeglasses.

Besides the above parts, you can also access to supplemental insurances such as Medigap policies. Since MI and HI don’t cover the expenses of Medigap, individuals who are enrolled in MI and HI can purchase a plan from 10 different Medigap insurance policies. Participants in MA plans do not need to purchase Medigap because their policies have paid the expenses for Medigap. Compared to MA, Medicap policies cover the costs of eye diseases but do not include eye exams and artificial lenses.