Medicare Blog

how to use blue cross medicare essential vision coverage

by Willie Conroy Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Use an in-network provider With a Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plan, choosing an in-network provider usually costs less than if you use an out-of-network provider. If your plan’s benefits aren’t covered when using an out-of-network provider, find an in-network provider to save money and get the most from your vision insurance benefits.

Full Answer

Do Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans cover eye exams?

Jan 20, 2022 · How Do I Enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Coverage? Speaking with an insurance agent is a great way to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. A licensed agent can help you review all the plan options available in your area, go over the costs and coverage included with each and answer any questions you may have about the plans.

What vision providers does Blue Cross work with?

You may choose to pair a new or existing Blue Cross Medicare Supplement or Legacy Medigap plan with the Dental Vision Hearing Package that includes coverage for an exam and lenses, and an allowance for frames or contact lenses. It also includes dental and hearing benefits. Learn more about how to get coverage for your Blue Cross Medicare Supplement or Legacy Medigap …

What is the Blue Medicare Advantage essential plan?

Unlike Original Medicare, Blue Medicare provides coverage for routine eye examinations (see above). This supplemental coverage comes with certain billing requirements. In particular, a provider cannot separately bill for a refraction performed for a Blue Medicare member: Refraction performed during a routine eye exam: Refraction is part of a routine eye exam. Accordingly, the …

How much do Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plans cost?

The first step to getting the most from your BCBS vision insurance benefits is knowing what your vision plan covers. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers several levels of vision plans, and most BCBS vision plans include at least one annual eye exam each year. Additional discounts on non-prescription eyewear accessories.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield mn cover eye exams?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota health plans cover eye exams every two years. Blue Cross also offers a range of vision plans to fit your needs and your budget.

What is a vision Medicare?

Medicare covers eye prostheses (artificial eyes) for beneficiaries without an eye or who have eye shrinkage because of birth defect, vision trauma, or surgery. You're also covered for polishing and resurfacing of your artificial eye. Medicare will pay for a replacement once every five years.

Is FEP blue vision the same as Davis vision?

Operating under the name FEP BlueVision, Plainview, NY-based Davis Vision will be the exclusive vision care program partner of the Blue and Cross Blue Shield Association's Federal Employee Program (FEP) and its 38 participating Blue plans.

Does Florida Blue HMO cover eye exams?

Vision Insurance

Each plan includes access to a wide selection of frames, eyeglass lenses and contacts––many of which are fully covered. Plus, a comprehensive annual eye exam that is fully covered after a $10 copayment, if applicable.

Does Medicare cover optical?

Generally, Original Medicare does not cover routine eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare Part B helps pay for corrective lenses; one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses provided by an ophthalmologist.Jul 15, 2019

Does Medicare cover eye exam?

Eye exams (routine)

Medicare doesn't cover eye exams (sometimes called “eye refractions”) for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You pay 100% for eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Does Florida blue cover vision?

Our BlueVision Plans

Each plan includes access to a wide selection of frames, eyeglass lenses and contacts. With over 107,000 points of access including national private and retail providers, as well as independent optometrists and ophthalmologists, your employees are covered.

Is Florida Blue Medicare or Medicaid?

Florida Blue has proudly served Medicare beneficiaries since 1965. We offer a variety of affordable Medicare plans with more benefits than Original Medicare. Choose the plan that's right for you with coverage options like access to a trusted network of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies and cost-saving programs.

Is Florida Blue the same as BCBS?

Florida Blue is a not-for- profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

What is Florida Blue Silver plan?

Your plan includes: A dedicated primary care doctor and specialists when you need them. No referral required. $0 annual wellness checkup, including $0 preventive screenings and related lab work so you and your doctor can better monitor your health!

Does Blue Cross Medicare include eye exams?

Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans do not include routine eye exams. You may choose to pair a new or existing Blue Cross Medicare Supplement or Legacy Medigap plan with the Dental Vision Hearing Package that includes coverage for an exam and lenses, and an allowance for frames or contact lenses. It also includes dental and hearing benefits.

Does Blue Cross Medicare include dental and hearing benefits?

It also includes dental and hearing benefits.

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is run by the U.S. government. It does not cover routine eye exams, glasses or contacts. Medicare Part B covers some eye care related to diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as corrective lenses after cataract surgery.

Does Medicare cover macular degeneration?

Medicare Part B covers some eye care related to diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as corrective lenses after cataract surgery. Otherwise, you will pay for routine eye exams, glasses and contacts out of your own pocket with Original Medicare.

Is Blue Cross Medicare endorsed by the government?

We may contact you about buying insurance. Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans aren’t connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Tip: You might need to pay a copay or coinsurance for these benefits. Check your plan’s Summary of Benefits for more details.

Does BCN Advantage include eye exams?

Most of our BCN Advantage plans include routine eye exams. Our HMO-POS Prestige and HMO-POS Classic plans also cover part of the cost of eyeglass frames, lenses and contacts. With BCN Advantage plans, you have the option to buy an optional supplemental plan that includes frames, lenses and contacts. It also includes dental and hearing benefits.

Is corrective eyewear included in PPO?

Corrective eyewear is not a benefit of our PPO Essential plan. With PPO plans, you also have the option to buy an optional supplemental plan that includes frames, lenses and contacts. It also includes dental. Learn more about how to get extra coverage for your PPO plan.

How often does Blue Medicare require eye exams?

Blue Medicare members are eligible for routine eye examinations every 12 months (see the important note under “Refractions” that addresses when a member would be ineligible for a routine eye exam for 24 months). In addition, some Blue Medicare members are eligible for an eyewear benefit.

Is refraction covered by Blue Medicare?

This is because refraction is part of a routine eye exam, and routine eye exams represent a covered service under Blue Medicare. This is true regardless of whether the refraction is performed in the course of a routine eye examination or incidental to a medical eye examination.

What is the phone number for Blue Medicare?

If you have any questions, please call Blue Medicare Provider Customer Service at 1-888-296-9790 for assistance. More like this.

Can refraction be billed separately?

Accordingly, the refraction is “bundled” into each routine exam and cannot be billed separately. Refraction performed incidental to a medical eye exam: Although billing a member for refraction performed incidental to a medical eye exam is permissible under Original Medicare (because routine vision services are not covered under Original Medicare), ...

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a major health insurance provider, including Blue Cross Blue Shield vision insurance. BCBS vision insurance covers a vision network of more than 117,000 providers and several top vision care chains. A BCBS vision plan can help save money on eye exams and eyewear.

Does my state offer Blue Cross Blue Shield vision insurance?

Not all states offer Blue Cross Blue Shield vision insurance. It’s important to note that benefits and prices of BCBS vision insurance plans vary, depending on where you live and the type of plan. Cost and benefits of individual vs. employer-sponsored plans may also differ among plans.

1. Understand what your vision plan covers

The first step to getting the most from your BCBS vision insurance benefits is knowing what your vision plan covers. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers several levels of vision plans, and most BCBS vision plans include at least one annual eye exam each year.

2. Make an appointment for an eye exam

Schedule your annual eye exam covered by your plan as soon as you can. That way, you get an early start on getting the most from your Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plan benefits.

3. Upgrade eyewear with vision plan discounts

Once you’re enrolled in a Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plan, start using your plan’s benefits right away. In addition to your vision plan’s annual eye exam, your plan may offer discounts and special promotions to help you save money.

4. Use an in-network provider

With a Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plan, choosing an in-network provider usually costs less than if you use an out-of-network provider.

Put your BCBS vision plan benefits to work

Getting the most from your vision plan benefits can help you and your family stay in good eye health. Start with routine eye exams, making sure you understand what your plan covers as far as eyewear or contact lenses.

Types of Medicare Advantage plans to choose from

There are several types of MA plans you may be able to choose from that vary in benefits and costs. In general, MA plans organized as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) use specific network providers, suppliers, and facilities. To get your benefits for vision care, you must stick to the network providers.

Currently have Original Medicare?

Original Medicare doesn’t usually include prescription lenses or routine Medicare eye exams with an optometrist.

When can you change your Medicare plan?

When you find a Medicare plan with better vision coverage and you’re ready to enroll, you may be able to switch to the new plan during the following enrollment periods:

Importance of vision care

It’s vital to maintain good eyesight over the years by getting regular refraction eye exams. Having good eyesight can help you maintain independence, continue a high quality of life, drive safely, and to avoid accidents at home or outside.

The Elderly and Common Vision Issues

Regular eye exams can help identify any changes in vision while potentially treatable, according to the AOA. A few of the issues most problematic to the elderly include:

Original Medicare Coverage and Vision Testing

Original Medicare in general does not cover regular eye exams necessary for getting new or updated eyeglasses or contact lenses, according to Medicare.gov.

Original Medicare Costs Associated with Vision-Related Testing

In all of these situations—the diabetic exams, glaucoma tests, and macular degeneration tests—the costs passed on to the participants is the same.

Original Medicare and Cataract Surgery

In addition to covering some of the expenses associated with treating age-related macular degeneration, Medicare covers a specific set of costs related to cataract surgery conducted via traditional surgery or lasers because this is deemed a “medically necessary” procedure.

Medicare Advantage and Vision Coverage

If you want a Medicare-based plan that offers vision coverage, Medicare Advantage is one option to consider.

How much is Blue Medicare Advantage Essential?

Blue Medicare Advantage Essential has a $0 monthly premium and a combined in-network and out-of-network maximum out-of-pocket limit of $4,000. This means that if you get sick or need a high cost procedure, your copays are capped once you pay the $4,000.

What is PPO essential?

(PPO) A $0 PPO plan that includes a national network of doctors and hospitals, in addition to prescription drug coverage and valuable extra benefits.

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