Does Humana Medicare Cover Vision?

In this article...
  • Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans cover vision benefits that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) don't cover. This is one reason why over 4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan in 2021. Learn about Humana Medicare vision costs, benefits and eligibility.

While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t typically cover any of the costs for eyeglasses or routine vision care, most Humana Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, cover vision care, eyeglasses and contacts.

Over 5.8 million Medicare beneficiaries got their Medicare coverage from a Humana Medicare Advantage plan in 2024.1

How Do Humana Medicare Advantage Plans Work?

Medicare Advantage plans work much like the private health insurance plans you’re probably accustomed to getting through an employer or from the marketplace. These plans often come in the form of an HMO or PPO plan and use similar cost structures such as premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. 

Depending on the type of Humana Medicare Advantage plan you choose, you may have a primary care doctor and a network of vision providers from which to choose. 

Humana Medicare Advantage plans include all of the same benefits found in Original Medicare along with some extra coverage for things not included in Original Medicare. In addition to vision coverage, these extra perks can include coverage of prescription drugs, vision care, Medicare dental coverage, memberships to fitness programs and more. 

Which Vision Benefits Are Included in a Humana Medicare Plan?

A Humana Medicare plan with vision coverage may include coverage for:

  • Annual eye exams
  • Eyeglasses frames
  • Prescription lenses
  • Contact lenses
  • Tints, anti-scratch, anti-reflective or other lens coatings
  • Discounts on LASIK eye surgery 

In addition, all Humana Medicare Advantage plans will include any vision services covered by Medicare Part B such as Medicare glaucoma screenings and tests for other eye diseases.

How Much Does Humana Medicare Vision Coverage Cost?

Medicare Advantage plan costs can vary according to a number of factors, such as the plan carrier or your location. Below is a small example of the costs of Humana Medicare Advantage plans that include vision coverage. 

The following example premiums are taken from the Medicare.gov plan finder tool in October 2023 for plan year 2024 and are not a complete list of plans available in each ZIP code. Plan premiums vary and may be different where you live, and there may be more, fewer or different plans available where you live. Contact a licensed insurance agent or compare plans online to find your local options.

Location Plan Monthly Premium

Phoenix, AZ (85001)

Humana Gold Plus H0028-052 (HMO)

$0

 

HumanaChoice R7220-001 (Regional PPO)

$0

 

HumanaChoice H5216-224 (PPO)

$35

Dallas, TX (75201)

Humana Gold Plus H0028-043 (HMO)

$0

 

HumanaChoice H5216-352 (PPO)

$0

 

Humana Gold Choice H8145-084 (PFFS)

$45

Columbus, OH (43210)

Humana Gold Plus H6622-013 (HMO-POS)

$0

 

HumanaChoice H5216-285 (PPO)

$0

 

HumanaChoice R5495-002 (Regional PPO)

$51

When Do Humana Medicare Plans Cover Eyeglasses?

A Humana Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage may provide you with an annual allowance for eyeglasses frames, along with a yearly coverage rate for prescription lenses or progressive bifocal lenses. 

Does My Doctor Accept Humana Medicare Vision Insurance?

Eye doctors who accept Humana Medicare vision coverage can be found all over the U.S. You can use the Humana provider search tool to find doctors in the Humana network and to find out if your eye doctor accepts Humana Medicare plans.

What Types of Humana Medicare Advantage Plans Include Vision Coverage?

Vision benefits can often be a part of any of Humana’s Medicare Advantage plan types. 

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans utilize a primary care physician who coordinates your care within the Humana network and issues referrals for specialist visits.

  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans allow members to seek care outside of the Humana network and still receive at least partial coverage.

  • Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans may be used at any health care provider who accepts Medicare and agrees to the payment terms of the plan.

  • Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are custom designed to meet the specific health care needs of members with particular health conditions.  

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Humana Medicare Vision Coverage?

To acquire vision coverage through a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the service area of the plan you wish to join.

When Can I Enroll in Humana Medicare Vision Coverage?

You may enroll in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits (if one is available where you live) during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month and continues for another three months.

If you don’t sign up at that time, you may be able to sign up for a Humana Medicare plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is also often called the fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Fall Medicare Open Enrollment takes place from October 15 to December 7 each year. 

Additionally, there are Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that may be granted throughout the year to those who move to a new area, lose coverage or experience other scenarios that qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

  1. 1 Ochieng N, et al. (Aug 9, 2023). Medicare Advantage in 2023: Enrollment Update and Key Trends. Kaiser Family Foundation. www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-in-2023-enrollment-update-and-key-trends.

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