Eye doctors near you that accept Medicaid.
Many eye doctors, optometrists and vision centers take Medicaid from low-income families or people with no money. They provide exams to kids, teens, seniors, with many of the services provided at a very affordable price to patients. Find an eye doctor near you that takes Medicaid or CHIP insurance, including those at chain stores or a private office.
Note the exact benefits vary by state, and some state’s also call Medicaid a different name. As Medicaid is a state and federal government funded program that provides health insurance to people with a low income. Eye doctors as well as ophthalmologists will often accept the government insurance at the locations below. Or they take CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) for kids and teens, as CHIP allows families with a higher income the ability to get medical or vision care.
Medicaid coverage provided for eye care
While each state administers its own Medicaid program (and they may call it a different name), federal government regulations require that states offer certain mandatory benefits, including vision care services. Coverage for eye care can vary significantly by state and the patient’s age, and understanding what's available in your area is essential. Typically, an eye doctor will take Medicaid as a form of payment for the following types of services.
All states are required to provide limited yet comprehensive vision care for children under the Medicaid program, including eye exams, glasses, and necessary treatments. Adult vision benefits, however, differ from state to state. Some states may cover routine eye exams and glasses for Medicaid patients, while others may only cover medically necessary eye care such as Amblyopia, Glaucoma, or Cataracts, even including surgery.
- Eye examinations paid by Medicaid: Generally, one routine eye exam per year is covered for adults over the age of 21, with more frequent exams for children or students including from pediatric eye doctors. Some states may allow two exams per year. There is also free eye care for low-income seniors on Medicaid/Medicare or those with specific medical conditions.
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses: Some states Medicaid policies cover prescription glasses or contact lenses, typically one pair every year or two. The frames and lenses will often be covered. There are also places for free glasses, including Lions Club, charities and other organizations. Look here for free eye exam and glasses programs.
- Eye Surgeries and treatments: Necessary surgeries or treatments for eye diseases and conditions are usually covered by Medicaid, including Ophthalmologists at vision centers or hospitals. Medicaid will pay for eye surgery from a doctor or optometrist near you. Locate free cataract surgery for uninsured.
- Screening and early intervention: Medicaid pay for necessary screenings for conditions like glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy or Optic nerve disorders, and early interventions for various eye diseases for both kids and older adults.
Other services may be provided as well. It depends on the eye doctor near you, the state, as well as patients condition or income. It's advisable to consult with a state's Medicaid office to understand the specific coverage in your area.
Eye doctors that take Medicaid as a form of payment
Many eye doctors take government insurance, whether they work privately or at a vision center near you. They will often take Medicaid from low-income families, seniors, single moms and others. CHIP insurance is also usually accepted. A focus is on giving eye care to kids or seniors. When it comes to a private eye doctor or optometrist a patient needs to either look at their website or call for details.
Chain eye doctor stores and vision centers are much more straight forward. If Medicaid is taking by the chain vision center, it is generally accepted nationwide, including by a location near you. Several large chain stores offer eye care services and accept Medicaid. They include:
- America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses: Offers eye exams and a large selection of glasses and accepts Medicaid in many locations. They also take Medicaid for contact lenses and operate almost 1000 centers across the country. https://www.americasbest.com/.
- LensCrafters: The policies by this company vary by state. Participates in Medicaid in certain states, providing exams, glasses, and contacts. This chain also specializes in treating eye diseases at many centers. More on Lenscrafters here. https://www.lenscrafters.com/.
- Costco Optical: Some locations have vision centers (even to “non-members”), and unfortunately the payment types vary by location and state. Though not all locations may accept Medicaid, the majority provide eye exams and glasses to low-income families on Medicaid insurance. Learn more here. https://www.costco.com/optical.html..
- Walmart Vision Centers accept Medicaid for eye exams and corrective lenses. While not in every store, with numerous locations and eye doctors across the country, including in more rural regions, Walmart offers convenient and affordable eye care. Provides comprehensive eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Find details https://www.walmart.com/cp/vision-centers/1078944..
- Pearle Vision takes Medicaid as part of a long-standing commitment to community eye care. Eye doctors, Opticians, and other professionals near you provide either income based exams or other services. Get details. https://www.pearlevision.com/.
There are also smaller regional chains. It can often be difficult to determine payment forms or practices on their websites, and it is generally recommended to call to determine if the eye care center near you takes Medicaid.
Free or income based eye doctors and community health centers
There are many other places that either (1) take Medicaid for eye appointments or (2) give free care, including vision testing, lenses, surgery and more. Additional assistance programs to try are below. In general, a Medicaid approved eye doctor or even volunteer optometrist or medical professional is available, including for emergency appointments.
There are also non-profit Hospitals with Eye Departments in most communities. Since they operate as a non-profit, and many receive government subsidies, medical care, including eye exams or testing, needs to be provided to everyone. People can’t be turned away based on income, age, insurance status or other factors.
- Many hospitals have specialized eye departments with doctors that accept Medicaid for both routine care and surgeries. If they are part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) program and take government funding, all patients need be be assisted, including for vision needs. Read more on non-profit ACA hospitals.
In many cities and counties, local health centers and income based, or free clinics near you, provide eye care services to low-income individuals and families. Many are part of the Federally Qualified Health Center programs. However whether an optometrist or ophthalmologist is at a free or low-cost clinic or not varies by location. Find a free eye doctor at a health center near you.
Some states or local public health departments also have their own vision and eye care programs, often for people on Medicaid. These often operate at the city or county level. They will run specialized programs for children, seniors, or those with disabilities. Find public assistance near you.
University Eye Centers also provide free or low cost eye exams. Many universities with optometry programs offer eye care services to the public, including patients on Medicaid, for free or at reduced costs. Services are typically provided by optometry students under the supervision of licensed eye doctors. Check with local university eye centers to see if they accept Medicaid.
Conclusion – Medicaid is accepted by many eye doctors
Vision care is critical for a job, quality of life not to mention many other reasons. Having Medicaid doesn't mean compromising on quality care. From private practices to national or regional chain stores, community clinics, and hospitals, there are numerous places available for eye care that accept Medicaid. Also find details on comprehensive Medicaid.gov benefits in your state.
If you are struggling to find a provider in your area that accepts Medicaid, don't hesitate to contact your local Medicaid office or health department for assistance. They can often guide you to the appropriate resources to make sure you receive the care you need.
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