Kaiser Medicare Vision Coverage
- Some Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans may include vision coverage. Learn about Kaiser Medicare plans and the vision benefits they may include.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans can include additional benefits Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) doesn't cover, such as routine vision coverage.
Kaiser Permanente sells Medicare Advantage plans in eight states and Washington D.C. Members of these plans can receive care at one of hundreds of Kaiser Permanente medical facilities.
What Vision Benefits Can Kaiser Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?
Some Kaiser Medicare Advantage vision coverage can include things like routine eye exams to determine a need for vision correction and to provide a prescription for eyeglass lenses.
Outpatient visits to diagnose and treat various eye diseases and conditions may require a copayment, depending on the plan. This includes screenings for glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Kaiser Medicare Advantage plans include Original Medicare limited vision benefits as well. That means cataract surgery is covered, along with a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses following a covered cataract surgery.
Kaiser Medicare Advantage Plans Can Offer Optional Supplemental Benefits
In addition to the above vision benefits, some Kaiser Medicare Advantage plan members may also have the option to purchase a supplemental benefits package that features enhanced vision coverage.
For a small additional premium, members can add the supplemental benefits package to receive an allowance to spend on eyewear every two years, though the exact amount of the allowance and the availability of this benefit can vary from plan to plan.
The supplemental benefits package may also include things like dental coverage or a hearing aid allowance.
Additional Kaiser Medicare Benefits
In addition to some routine vision care, Kaiser Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for everything found in Medicare Part A and Part B and may also include coverage for benefits such as:
- Prescription medications
- Preventive and routine hearing care
- Select over-the-counter health items purchased at a pharmacy or grocery store
Enrolling in Kaiser Medicare Vision Coverage
You must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, and must continue to pay your Original Medicare premiums in addition to any premiums required by your Medicare Advantage plan.
You may only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that is sold in your area. Kaiser plans are primarily available in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, or Washington D.C.
Your first opportunity to enroll in a Kaiser Medicare Advantage plan will be during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month of your birthday and continues for three additional months thereafter.
Another opportunity is during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, also called the fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period) which takes place from Oct. 15 to Dec, 7 each year.
Beneficiaries who experience qualifying life events may have an opportunity to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
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