What Original Medicare covers
| Item or service | Covered by Original Medicare? |
|---|---|
| Hearing aids and fitting exams | No |
| Diagnostic hearing and balance exams ordered by your provider | Yes, Part B |
| Audiologist visit without an order, once every 12 months | Yes, for non-acute hearing conditions |
| Routine eye exam for glasses or contacts | No |
| Eyeglasses or contact lenses | No, except after cataract surgery |
| One pair of glasses with standard frames (or one set of contacts) after cataract surgery with an implanted lens | Yes, Part B |
For covered services, you pay $20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Part B also covers some eye care for medical conditions, such as a glaucoma test once every 12 months if you're at high risk and a yearly exam for diabetic eye disease if you have diabetes.
Over-the-counter hearing aids
Since October 2022, FDA rules let adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss buy hearing aids over the counter, in stores or online, without a prescription or fitting. Medicare doesn't pay for them. See a doctor first if your hearing changed suddenly, you have ear pain or drainage, or your loss is severe.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. If hearing aids or glasses matter to you, look at which providers you must use and any yearly dollar limits. See Medicare Advantage in Oklahoma.
Help in Oklahoma
- Vision loss at 55 or older: the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services' Older Blind Independent Living program serves people 55 and older who are legally blind. A rehabilitation teacher helps you adjust to vision loss and learn daily tasks such as cooking, using the phone and identifying money. Call (405) 522-3333 in Oklahoma City or (918) 551-4900 in Tulsa.
- SoonerCare: OHCA's benefits page lists eyeglasses and hearing aids only under services for children. See SoonerCare and Medicare.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life can explain hearing and vision options with Medicare and compare plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see plans for your ZIP code. See also Medicare basics.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover dental?
When it pays and other options.
How do I get rides to the doctor?
SoonerRide and local help.
Can I keep my doctor?
Networks and assignment.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Hearing aids
- Medicare.gov — Hearing and balance exams
- Medicare.gov — Eyeglasses and contact lenses
- FDA — OTC hearing aids: what you should know
- Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services — Older Blind Independent Living
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority — SoonerCare benefits
More questions in this guide
- Can I keep my doctor when I go on Medicare in Oklahoma?
- Does Medicare cover dental in Oklahoma?
- Does Medicare pay for an air ambulance in Oklahoma?
- How do I get rides to the doctor in Oklahoma with Medicare?
Part of the guide: Medicare basics for Oklahomans · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I see an audiologist without a doctor's order?
Yes, once every 12 months for non-acute hearing conditions such as gradual hearing loss. Other diagnostic hearing and balance exams need an order from your doctor or other provider. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Does SoonerCare cover hearing aids or glasses for adults?
OHCA's SoonerCare benefits page lists eyeglasses and hearing aids under additional services for children, not adults. If you have Medicare and SoonerCare, ask OHCA or your provider whether any coverage applies to you.
Where do I get glasses after cataract surgery?
From a supplier that participates in Medicare. Medicare.gov says it pays only for glasses or contacts from a participating supplier, and you pay any extra cost for upgraded frames.
Medicare in your Oklahoma county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Oklahoma · Tulsa · Cleveland · Canadian · Comanche · Rogers · Wagoner · Payne · Pottawatomie · Creek · Muskogee · Garfield · Grady · Washington · Logan · Bryan · Le Flore · Carter · Cherokee · McClain · All 77 counties →
