Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 30, 2022

See how Medicare can help with your ocular treatment

Knowing whether your eyesight can be solved with new glasses or something more serious can be tricky. If you are experiencing macular degeneration, treating it can be daunting. The good news is that Medicare has you covered. Let's talk through how you are covered.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that causes damage to the macula, a part of the retina located in the back of your eye. It affects your central vision, making it difficult to read or recognize faces. The condition can be caused by age-related changes or run in families.

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

The main symptom of macular degeneration is blurry or distorted central vision. You may also experience difficulty recognizing faces, reading small print, and distinguishing colors. Other symptoms can include dark spots, blind spots in the center of your vision, and straight lines appearing wavy or bent.

How is Macular Degeneration treated?

Wet macular degeneration injections are medications such as anti-VEGF agents and photodynamic therapy. These may be prescribed to slow the disease's progress. Vitrecurgery may also be an option for some patients.

Does Medicare cover Macular Degeneration?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers many of the treatments for macular degeneration, including doctor visits, medications, and surgery.

Medicare covers the following wet macular degeneration injections:

Beovu
Eylea
Lucentis
Avastin

In addition, Medicare covers photodynamic therapy and laser treatments for macular degeneration. Medicare also pays for diagnostic tests such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography scans to diagnose and monitor the progression of the disease.

Medicare also covers certain preventive care measures like annual eye exams. However, Original Medicare does not cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses related to macular degeneration. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for eyeglasses and contacts. In addition, Medicare plans do not cover alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbal supplements. You should check with your plan provider for specific details on benefits and coverage for macular degeneration treatments.

Alternatives to Medicare for those with Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet rich in dark leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses or protective eyeglasses when outdoors, and avoiding bright light from computers and other digital screens.

If you do not have Medicare or your plan does not cover the treatments for macular degeneration, there are other options available. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for macular degeneration treatments. You can also check with organizations such as The Macula Vision Research Foundation and Bright Focus Foundation to see if they offer any type of financial assistance.

Resources for those with Macular Degeneration

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, there are many resources available to help you understand and manage the condition. The National Eye Institute provides educational materials on macular degeneration, including information about diagnosis and treatment options. There are also support groups for people living with macular degeneration that provide emotional and practical support.

Conclusion

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that can cause vision loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for those with the condition, including medications and lifestyle changes. Medicare covers many of the treatments for macular degeneration, but remember to check with your doctor before pursuing any treatment options. This content is for informational purposes only. Talk with an expert at Fair Square Medicare for all your Medicare questions.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

888-572-6033

info@fairsquaremedicare.com

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

•

Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2024 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

See how Medicare can help with your ocular treatment

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What is Macular Degeneration?

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

How is Macular Degeneration treated?

Does Medicare cover Macular Degeneration?

Alternatives to Medicare for those with Macular Degeneration

Resources for those with Macular Degeneration

Conclusion

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans