Trustpilot

Call our licensed insurance agents (TTY 711)

  • Better Business Bureau Rating: A
  • Over 2 million individuals helped last year

1-855-792-0088

Speak to a licensed insurance agent (TTY 711)

1-855-792-0088

Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT

Table of Contents
Resources

Does Medicare Cover LASIK?

Written by:
Megan Whitenton
Headshot of Amy Albert
Reviewed by:
Amy Albert
4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover LASIK, but some Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial or full coverage, depending on the plan and location.
  • LASIK is an elective laser eye surgery used to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
  • Medicare Advantage plans that include routine vision benefits may cover LASIK if it’s medically necessary, but will likely still leave significant out-of-pocket costs to the patient.
  • Alternatives like Medicaid (varies by state), FSA/HSA funds, or coverage for other eye conditions (e.g., cataracts) may provide vision-related support outside of LASIK.

Does Medicare cover LASIK? While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover LASIK surgery, Medicare Advantage plans typically offer additional coverage beyond Original Medicare’s benefits. This could include some coverage for LASIK, depending on your specific location and plan.

However, since not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits, you should check the details of your policy to make sure it includes LASIK coverage if this is important to you. Explore the costs of LASIK surgery and how Medicare Advantage may help with coverage below.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, using a laser to permanently reshape the cornea to correct visual distortions. It is the most common laser vision correction procedure worldwide, according to the Refractive Surgery Council. LASIK is mostly used to treat near-sightedness (myopia), but can also be effective in correcting far-sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. 

The success rate of LASIK is notably high, helping 99% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, according to TLC Laser Eye Centers, though the severity of the condition may affect the results. Additionally, TLC estimates a complication risk of less than 1% after LASIK, though some patients may require ‘touch-up surgery’ after a few years to maintain results.

While LASIK is an elective procedure and therefore not typically covered by traditional insurance, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer full or partial LASIK coverage.

Ready for a new Medicare Advantage plan?

A drawing of a person selecting an option

How Medicare Advantage Covers LASIK

Original Medicare generally does not cover this benefit, as Part A and Part B cover hospital and outpatient benefits, respectively, excluding routine vision care and services. 

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans may offer benefits beyond those of Original Medicare. These plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and replace Original Medicare coverage.

All Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare at minimum, but many offer additional benefits. This may include coverage for routine or extensive vision care. However, it is important to note that Medicare Advantage plans may only cover LASIK if it is deemed medically necessary and not an elective procedure, or it may not cover LASIK at all.

For example, your Medicare Advantage plan might require you to try prescription glasses instead of elective LASIK surgery to correct your vision problems, or only pay for a portion of your LASIK procedure. Individual Medicare Advantage benefits also tend to differ by region and carrier.

How Much LASIK Costs With Medicare

Since Original Medicare does not cover LASIK, you would need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offered LASIK coverage to enjoy this benefit. If paying entirely out of pocket for LASIK surgery on both eyes, expect to pay an average of $3,000-$5,000, according to the LASIK Vision Institute.

Beneficiaries should consider the following expenses when shopping Medicare Advantage plans with LASIK coverage, keeping in mind these figures are estimates, as plans may vary considerably by location.

  • Premiums: Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies, which means individual insurance providers can set their own rates for coverage. Generally, beneficiaries will pay an average of $17 per month for Medicare Advantage in 2025, according to the National Council in Aging. Enrollees must also keep paying their Part B premiums, which will cost $185 per month for most seniors in 2025.
  • Deductibles: Medicare Advantage plans often do not require a separate deductible apart from Part A and Part B benefits. For Medicare Advantage plans that do, beneficiaries may need to pay a deductible of up to $300 or more to get benefits. LASIK tends to require high out-of-pocket costs even after meeting the plan’s deductible, as it is an elective procedure not typically covered entirely by a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Copays and Coinsurance: Most plans require enrollees to pay a copay for office visits. Though rare, some Medicare Advantage plans may fully cover LASIK, though it is more common for these plans to offer partial coverage. This could mean you are still responsible for paying your share of coinsurance even after meeting your deductible.
  • Alternative financial assistance: You may seek alternative financing options to help alleviate your out-of-pocket costs for LASIK, even if your Medicare Advantage plan offers partial coverage. For example, you might ask your healthcare provider about financing plans, or consider using a flexible savings account or purchasing a separate, standalone vision policy to offset your expenses.

Other Options For Getting Vision Coverage

Because Medicare and Medicare Advantage are unlikely to cover LASIK due to its elective nature, consider these alternatives for vision care.

Related Medicare-Covered Benefits

While Original Medicare does not cover LASIK, it may cover certain services and treatment for specific chronic eye conditions such as:

If you have Original Medicare and are experiencing symptoms of a chronic eye condition, your coverage may include specific diagnostic exams for such conditions. Furthermore, if you were diagnosed with cataracts, for example, Original Medicare might cover corrective surgery and a standard pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses following the procedure.

Medicaid

If you are dual-eligible for both Medicare and state-funded Medicaid benefits, your Medicaid plan might cover some specific vision services. For example, some states cover diagnostic tests for refraction and visual fields for children and adults through Medicaid, while others only offer discounts on eyeglasses or contact lenses through participating providers in that state. Check your coverage, as Medicaid differs by state.

FSA and/or HSA Accounts

You may continue to use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) for medical expenses while on Medicare, with some restrictions. For example, you may not use your FSA to reimburse Medicare premiums, coinsurance, or copays.

Additionally, you may use your HSA to pay for qualifying medical expenses but must cease making contributions while enrolled in Medicare.

Putting It All Together

As an elective procedure, insurance including Original Medicare typically does not cover LASIK surgery. However, select Medicare Advantage plans may offer some LASIK coverage as part of their supplemental vision, hearing, and dental services.

While Medicare Advantage plans may not offer full coverage, beneficiaries may use partial benefits, combined with other forms of financing, to offset the out-of-pocket costs associated with LASIK surgery. Ask a licensed insurance broker or agent for assistance in choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan.

Sources