Does Walmart Vision Center Accept Medicare?

Many Walmart locations throughout the U.S. have their very own vision centers staffed with licensed optometrists. In fact, Walmart is among America's leading providers of optical goods.

Many Walmart vision centers accept multiple types of insurance, including Medicare. Not every Walmart vision center is guaranteed to accept Medicare, so always call ahead or verify in person before receiving any services or products. If the Walmart vision center near you does not accept Medicare, you may be able to find another location that does.

If a Walmart vision center accepts Medicare, they must also accept Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap). And many Walmart vision centers may also accept Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans. (More on Medicare Advantage vision coverage below.)

Does Medicare Pay for an Eye Exam at a Walmart Near You?

While Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not cover routine vision care, which includes eyeglasses and eye exams, many Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) offer vision coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage may cover routine eye exams at Walmart as well as prescription lenses and/or contacts.

Medicare Part B will cover the cost of one pair of corrective lenses following a cataract surgery to implant an intraocular lens. The benefit includes one set of corrective lenses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses. In such a case, you would pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your annual Part B deductible.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans often include vision coverage. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and include all the same coverage as Original Medicare while also adding some benefits not found in Original Medicare. These additional benefits may often include vision, dental, hearing, prescription drug coverage and more.

Medicare Advantage vision coverage will vary by plan, but coverage for annual eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses are often included. They also can include discounts on laser eye surgery or other procedures.

Medicare Advantage costs typically include a monthly premium (though many plans feature $0 monthly premiums) along with a deductible and coinsurance or copayments.

These plans are offered by many of the nation’s leading insurance carriers and are often accepted by Walmart vision centers.

Once again, confirm your insurance coverage with Walmart first or contact your plan to learn where you may be able to use it. Medicare Advantage plans may come in the form of an HMO plan (which may limit use to a network of participating providers) or a PPO plan (which may grant more freedom to see additional providers). Regardless of the type of plan you have, it's generally not hard to find eye doctors who take Medicare. 

You can compare Medicare Advantage plans online to find out what the plans available near you cover and where they are accepted. 

What Other Eye Care Services Does Medicare Cover?

Original Medicare’s vision care is limited. Aside from the corrective lenses following cataract surgery, the only other vision care covered by Original Medicare includes:

• Glaucoma tests every 12 months if you’re considered to be at high risk
• Annual eye exams for diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes
• Certain tests and treatment for eye diseases if you have macular degeneration

Medicare Advantage plans that include vision coverage, however, typically provide more vision benefits than Original Medicare.

How Much Is a Walmart Eye Exam in 2024 Without Insurance?

According to VisionCenter.org, a Walmart eye exam will likely cost at least $75 without insurance. The cost of an eye exam may vary by location.

That cost is similar to the estimated cost of eye exams without insurance at other major retailers such as Target, Costco and LensCrafters but may be more expensive than at Sam’s Club. However, an eye exam at Walmart optometry may be cheaper than the national average without insurance, which is estimated at around $95.

Does Walmart Vision Center Accept Medicaid?

Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, but many Walmart vision centers do accept Medicaid. There may be Walmart vision centers near you that are participating locations. 

Does Walmart Optical Accept Medical Insurance?

Walmart optical centers accept coverage from most major insurance providers for eye exams and in-store purchases. If your medical insurance includes vision benefits, you may be able to use your insurance at your local Walmart optical center. Contact your store for more details and to find out if your insurance will be accepted.  

Does Walmart Vision Center Take Humana Insurance?

Yes, starting on January 1st, 2023 Walmart vision center was accepted by Humana's insurance. This update to Humana's network also includes Sam's Club, but it's important to check with your carrier and double check your plan details.

Does Walmart Vision Center Offer Good Service?

Walmart optometry centers near you may offer a good value on frames and lenses. They prioritize affordability, so your selection of high-end brand name products may be limited.

Optometrists at Walmart vision centers are fully licensed and certified.

Who Accepts Medicare for Eyeglasses?

It's typical for eye doctors and vision centers to accept Medicare plans for lenses, frames and contacts. Check your Medicare plan's network of participating providers to find the eyeglass suppliers available to you or conduct an online search for "ophthalmologists near me that accept Medicare."