Glaucoma Screening (risk-based)

Preventive Care

Glaucoma can cause vision loss without early symptoms. Prevention is early detection for people at higher risk.

Ask if you’re high risk (family history, diabetes, age).
Report vision changes promptly.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare covers glaucoma tests under Part B for people at high risk, with frequency rules.

You typically pay nothing if rules are met and the provider accepts assignment.

Key takeaways

Often silent early—risk-based testing matters.
Coverage is for high-risk individuals.
Confirm frequency rules.

Good to Know

Provider Accepts Assignment

In Original Medicare, “accepts assignment” means a provider agrees to Medicare’s approved amount as full payment (with you paying any required deductible/coinsurance). For many preventive services, using a provider who accepts assignment can help keep your costs lower and more predictable.

Frequency Limits

Many Medicare preventive services have frequency limits, meaning Medicare covers them only as often as allowed (for example, once every 12 months, once every five years, or once in your lifetime). The schedule varies by service.

Eligibility Rules

Many preventive services are covered only if you meet Medicare’s eligibility rules. These rules can include your age, risk factors, medical history, lab results, diagnoses, or timing (for example, being “at risk” for a screening).