Anthem Medicare Vision Coverage

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While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover routine vision care, many private insurance companies like Anthem offer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that can help fill the void and serve the vision care needs of older adults. 

Anthem Medicare Advantage plans provide all of the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B, and many plans also cover extra benefits not included in Original Medicare. Vision coverage is one of the most common extra benefits, alongside dental and prescription drug coverage. 

Anthem and the Anthem family of brands (such as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Empire, Amerigroup and others) may also sell standalone vision plans that may be purchased independently or added to an Anthem health or dental insurance plan. 

Anthem Medicare Vision Benefits

Anthem Medicare Advantage plans can include coverage for vision exams, eyeglasses (frames and lenses), and contact lenses. Some plans may also provide benefits to treat certain eye conditions.

Anthem supplemental vision packages provide many of the same benefits and may include dental coverage as well. The supplemental vision packages may also be added to an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan with or without vision benefits to add or enhance the plan’s vision coverage. 

How to Find an Anthem Medicare Vision Provider

Anthem Medicare plans that include vision insurance may come in the form of an HMO or PPO plan, which can affect which vision providers accept your plan. 

• With an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan, you may be restricted to eye doctors within the Anthem network of participating providers. One potential benefit of HMO plans is that your care is coordinated within the network, and HMO plans generally have lower premiums than some other types of Medicare Advantage plans. 
  
  
• With a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan, you may have the freedom to go outside of the Anthem network for care and still receive at least some coverage in most cases. You may pay higher out-of-pocket costs, however, if you see a provider outside of the plan network.

Be sure to call and check with your insurance plan carrier to find out if your plan includes your preferred vision care provider.

If you’re shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, you can ask a licensed insurance agent to help you compare plans that are available where you live. A licensed agent can help search the plan networks to see which plan covers your preferred vision care provider.

Anthem Vision Coverage Costs

Many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans that include vision coverage are available for a $0 premium. A plan may or may not include an annual deductible, copayments or coinsurance for covered services and items. 

Standalone vision plans and supplemental vision packages require a monthly premium. 

Enrolling in Anthem Vision Coverage

There aren't typically any restrictions surrounding enrollment in a standalone vision plan from Anthem. You do not have to be enrolled in an Anthem health insurance plan to purchase vision coverage, and you may enroll at any time of the year. 

Medicare Advantage plans, however, require you to first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and there are only certain times of the year in which you may sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. You may also only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that is available where you live.

You can work with a licensed insurance agent to find an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan available in your area that includes vision benefits. You can also compare plans online to make sure you enroll in the best plan for your needs.