Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Coverage
- Some Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans include vision coverage and may offer benefits for things such as eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses or LASIK surgery.
Some Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans can offer coverage for routine vision care that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover.
Blue Cross Blue Shield includes a family of affiliated Blue brands around the country, which can vary from one state to the next.
What Kind of Eye Care Is Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield?
A 2025 Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan that includes vision benefits might cover things like annual eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, screenings for various eye conditions, cataract surgery and LASIK eye surgery.
Not every BCBS plan is available in every location, and the benefits offered by plans can vary. Some BCBS plans may not offer vision benefits.
What Types of Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Plans are Available?
Blue Cross Blue Shield may operate under different names or with different affiliate companies according to the state or region where the company does business.
For example, you might find plans available from “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona” in the state of Arizona, but plans might be offered by “Florida Blue” in Florida and many other names depending on where you live. You may even see names like “Wellpoint,” Simply,” “Anthem” and more attached to the Blue Cross Blue Shield name.
With all that in mind, the exact vision plans that are available from Blue Cross Blue Shield will vary by state. However, they can generally be broken down as follows:
Standalone Vision Insurance Plans
Vision insurance is typically not included as part of a traditional health insurance plan. Instead, it’s most often offered as a separate and optional standalone plan for members of individual health insurance plans or group plans sponsored by an employer.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Routine vision insurance is not included in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). However, vision benefits may be included in some Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative way to receive Original Medicare coverage while also receiving additional benefits that may include things such as coverage for things like vision, dental, hearing aids or prescription drugs.
How Much Does Vision Coverage Cost with BCBS?
The cost of vision coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield will vary depending on location and plan selection.
You can compare Medicare plans where you live using the Medicare.gov plan finder tool.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Coverage?
To enroll in a eye plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield, you must live in the area that is serviced by the plan and meet the eligibility requirements for having health insurance in the U.S., which generally consists of being a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully present, residing in the U.S. and not being incarcerated.
In order to be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the area serviced by the plan.
When Can I Enroll in Eye Coverage Through Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Vision coverage can generally be purchased at any time throughout the year. However, some plans may require you to wait until an open enrollment period if they will be added to an existing health insurance plan.
You may only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during certain times of the year, most notably during your Initial Enrollment Period (when you first become for Medicare) and the Annual Enrollment Period, also known as the fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year).
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