- Aetna is a private insurance company that sells Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
- Aetna offers vision coverage in many of its Medicare Advantage plans.
- Your cost will be based on your ZIP code and which plan you choose.
If you wear prescription eyewear, you know the importance of annual vision screenings.
Having a health insurance plan that covers the cost of vision and eye services makes it easy to get the care you need. It means you’ll be able to schedule routine eye exams and get affordable prescription lenses.
Many Medicare Advantage plans provide vision and eye services. Some plans also offer dental and hearing care, as well as standardized hospital and medical coverage.
Aetna Medicare Advantage vision coverage offers comprehensive eye services, such as:
- routine eye exams, usually one exam per year
- diabetic retinopathy screenings
- yearly allowance to cover the cost of frames
- annual compensation for prescription lens or contact lenses
- cataract surgery
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are available in most U.S. states. You can find the right plan to suit your healthcare needs, including:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans
- Point-of-Service (POS) plans
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans
- Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Plans can change depending on your state or county. Each program has a distinct yearly allowance, copays, and benefits.
Your costs will depend on your ZIP code and the plan you choose — whether it covers visits to out-of-network providers and whether there are in-network vision specialists.
You can compare premium rates and additional benefits using Medicare’s plan finder tool. Simply enter your ZIP code to compare the plans offered in your area.
Here are some 2021 sample costs for Aetna Medicare Advantage plans with vision coverage.
| City | Plan name | Monthly premium | Out-of-pocket maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | Aetna Medicare Premier (HMO) | $0 | $6,120 (in network) |
| Aetna Medicare Premier 1 (PPO) | $140 | $6,100 (in network); $11,300 (in and out of network) | |
| Aetna Medicare Premier 2 (PPO) | $199 | $5,100 (in network); $11,300 (in and out of network) | |
| Houston, TX | Aetna Medicare Prime Plan (HMO) | $0 | $5,900 (in network) |
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Plan (PPO) | $0 | $5,000 (in network); $11,300 (in and out of network) | |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plan (PPO) | $0 | $6,700 (in network); $11,300 (in and out of network) | |
| Phoenix, AZ | Aetna Medicare Prime Plan (HMO) | $0 | $7,550 (in network) |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (HMO) | $0 | $7,500 (in network) | |
| Aetna Medicare Platinum Plan (PPO) | $59 | $6,500 (in network); $11,300 (in and out of network) |
You’re eligible for Aetna Medicare Advantage vision coverage if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident over age 65.
If you’re under age 65, you can apply for Medicare coverage if you have a permanent disability or a chronic illness such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or end stage renal disease (ESRD).
To enroll in a plan with Aetna Medicare Advantage vision coverage, you’ll first need to sign up for original Medicare. Original Medicare is made up of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
Contact Social Security and enroll in original Medicare online, over the phone, or by visiting your local office. After you have your Medicare number, you’re eligible for an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan.
Start your enrollment by finding out what Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area.
Use Medicare’s plan comparison tool to find a list of Aetna vision plans available in your county, along with benefits, vision services, copays, and premiums.
You can also contact Aetna at 855-335-1407.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Does original Medicare include vision coverage?
Original Medicare doesn’t offer vision coverage for:
- routine eye exams
- prescription eyewear
- contact lenses
However, Medicare Part B will cover the cost of:
- yearly diabetic retinopathy screenings
- glaucoma tests
- cataract surgery
Part B deductibles will apply, though.
Does Aetna cover vision care?
Aetna Medicare Advantage vision coverage will include yearly eye exams to check your vision and monitor your eye health.
Aetna vision plans also cover frames, prescription lenses, and even contact lenses. Aetna provides a yearly allowance for frames and prescription eyewear.
Does Aetna Medicare Advantage cover cataract surgery?
Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same basic coverage offered under original Medicare. Since original Medicare covers cataract surgery, Aetna Medicare Advantage plans must cover this as well.
Make sure to go to doctors and facilities that are in your plan’s network to ensure coverage.
Can I add vision to my Aetna Medicare Advantage plan?
Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include routine vision and eye services. You can find out precisely what’s in your policy by reading the evidence of coverage statement provided to you by your plan.
If you’re enrolling in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, check which vision and eye services each plan offers and compare them to get what you need.
If you select a policy without vision coverage, you may be able to add an optional supplemental benefit to receive it.
- Vision coverage is a part of many Medicare Advantage plans.
- Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans that include vision coverage.
- If you’re eligible for Medicare Advantage, you’re eligible to purchase an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage.