Does Aetna Cover Vision?

In this article...
  • Aetna offers insurance plans that cover vision care, both through standalone vision insurance policies and as part of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C). Our Aetna Medicare review details what Aetna Medicare plans cover for vision, eyeglasses and more.

Anyone who wears corrective lenses knows the value of having vision care covered by insurance. Aetna, one of the leaders of the insurance industry, provides vision coverage as part of its Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans and through standalone policies that may be added onto a Aetna individual or group health insurance plan.

What Kind of Vision Care Is Covered by an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan?

An Aetna Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits may provide coverage for:

  • Annual eye exams
  • Eyeglasses (lenses and frames) and contact lenses
  • Screenings or diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions
  • Cataract surgery 

How Does Vision Coverage Work With an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan?

An Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits may typically work in 1 of 2 ways. 

  • A network plan has a network of participating vision care providers you may see. The provider submits the claim to Aetna after administering care, and you may be responsible for a copayment or coinsurance. 

  • A direct member reimbursement (DMR) plan allows you to see any vision care provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. You will pay for your care up front and then submit some information and an itemized receipt to Aetna for reimbursement. 

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How Much Does an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan With Vision Coverage Cost?

As with most Medicare Advantage plans, the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan from Aetna may vary according to location, benefits offered and other criteria. 

You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to see how much an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits might cost in your area. 

The following table provides some examples of what you might pay for an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage in Miami-Dade County in Florida and Maricopa County in Arizona. 

Aetna Medicare Vision Coverage
County Plan Monthly Premium Deductible Copay for eye exams, contacts or eyeglasses
Miami-Dade (FL)

Aetna Medicare Select (HMO)

$0

$0

$0

 

Aetna Medicare Credit (HMO)

$0

$0

$0

 

Aetna Medicare Choice (HMO-POS)

$0

$0 in-network | $500 out-of-network

$0 in-network

 

Aetna Medicare Premier (PPO)

$0

$770

$50 for out-of-network exams; All other copays $0

Maricopa (AZ)

Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)

$0

$0

40% coinsurance for out-of-network exams; all other copayments $0

 

Aetna Medicare Freedom (PPO)

$0

$500

40% coinsurance for out-of-network exams; all other copayments $0

 

Aetna Medicare Prime (HMO)

$0

$0

$0

 

Aetna Medicare Platinum (HMO)

$0

$0

$0

 

Aetna Medicare Prime Plus (HMO)

$0

$0

$0

 

Aetna Medicare Premier (HMO)

$0

$0

$0

 

Aetna Medicare Platinum (PPO)

$59

$0

40% coinsurance for out-of-network exams; all other copayments $0

How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan With Vision Coverage?

In order to join an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage, you must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B

You also must live in an area where an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage is available.

How Can I Enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan With Vision Coverage?

You can compare Aetna Medicare Advantage plans online for free to find out which plans are available where you live and compare what types of vision coverage they include. If you find a plan that offers the coverage you want, you can enroll online or over the phone with the help of a licensed insurance agent.

What About Standalone Vision Plans From Aetna?

If you don't qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may still receive vision coverage through Aetna from a standalone vision plan. 

The Aetna Vision Preferred plan is a vision plan for those enrolled in a group or individual health insurance plan that does not include vision coverage. This plan offers free eye exams and a $130 allowance for frames and contact lenses. Eyeglass lenses cost between $25 and $135 depending on the type of lens desired.  

The network of participating providers includes eye doctors all over the U.S. along with retailers such as Lens Crafters, Target, Ray Ban, Glasses.com and ContactsDirect.com.

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