America's Best does accept Medicaid, but coverage depends on your state and specific plan

America's Best Contact Lenses is an optical retailer with hundreds of locations across the United States. They do take Medicaid for vision services and eyewear, but the details matter: not every state's Medicaid program covers the same things, not every America's Best location participates in every plan, and you need to verify your coverage before you go in.

Medicaid vision benefits vary widely. Some state programs cover eye exams and glasses for children but not adults. Others cover exams for all ages but limit how often you can get new frames. A few states cover contact lenses; most do not. The only way to know what your plan covers is to call your state Medicaid office or check your plan documents before scheduling an appointment.

America's Best participates in most state Medicaid programs, but not every location accepts every plan. Call the store nearest you and ask which Medicaid plans they take. Bring your Medicaid card when you go, and bring a photo ID as well.

Key Takeaways

  • America's Best accepts Medicaid at most of its locations, but you must call ahead to confirm your specific plan is accepted at the store you plan to visit.
  • Medicaid vision coverage differs by state — some cover exams and glasses for all ages, others only for children, and contact lens coverage is rare.
  • Check your state Medicaid program's website or call your plan directly to learn what vision services and eyewear your coverage includes before scheduling an appointment.
  • Bring both your Medicaid card and a photo ID to your appointment, and ask about any copays or out-of-pocket costs your plan requires.

How to find out what your Medicaid plan covers for vision

Your state Medicaid program sets the rules for what vision care is covered. Start by finding your state's Medicaid office online — search "[your state] Medicaid vision coverage" or "[your state] Medicaid eyeglasses" to find the official page. That page will tell you whether your plan covers exams, frames, lenses, and contact lenses, and how often you can get new eyewear.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state Medicaid office directly. Have your Medicaid ID number ready. Ask specifically: Does my plan cover eye exams? Does it cover glasses or frames? Does it cover contact lenses? How often can I get new frames? Is there a copay? Some states have different rules for children and adults, so ask about your age group.

You can also call America's Best directly and ask which Medicaid plans they accept and what those plans typically cover. The staff there work with Medicaid regularly and can often answer basic questions about coverage, though your state Medicaid office is the final authority on what your specific plan includes.

Confirming America's Best accepts your plan before you visit

Not every America's Best location takes every Medicaid plan. Call the store you plan to visit and tell them your Medicaid plan name. Ask: Do you accept this plan? If yes, ask whether they have frames in stock that your plan covers, and whether there are any copays or out-of-pocket costs you should expect.

Some America's Best locations are independently owned franchises, while others are corporate-run. Franchise locations may have different policies about which plans they accept, so the answer from one store may not apply to another. That is why calling ahead matters.

If the store you want to visit does not accept your plan, ask them to recommend another optical retailer in your area that does. Many communities have multiple options, and your state Medicaid office can also provide a list of in-network providers.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your Medicaid card and a photo ID. America's Best will need both to process your visit and verify your coverage. If you have a specific prescription you want filled (for glasses or contacts), bring that as well, though the eye exam may result in a new prescription.

If you wear contact lenses and your plan covers them, ask during the exam whether the doctor will write a separate contact lens prescription. Some plans require a separate contact lens fitting and prescription, which may involve an additional visit or fee.

Ask about copays before you leave. Medicaid plans vary in what they charge at the point of service. Some charge nothing; others charge a small copay for the exam or for frames. Knowing this ahead of time prevents surprises at checkout.

What happens if America's Best is out of network for your plan

If your local America's Best does not participate in your Medicaid plan, you have two options: pay out of pocket and then request reimbursement from your plan, or find an in-network provider.

Reimbursement is usually slower and more complicated than using an in-network provider. You would pay the full cost at America's Best, get an itemized receipt, and submit it to your Medicaid plan with a reimbursement request. Your plan may reimburse part of the cost or none of it, depending on what your coverage includes and what you purchased. This process can take weeks.

Finding an in-network provider is usually faster and simpler. Your state Medicaid office website has a provider search tool, or you can call them and ask for a list of optical retailers near you that accept your plan. Many communities have multiple options beyond America's Best.

Coverage limits and what you might pay out of pocket

Even with Medicaid coverage, you may have out-of-pocket costs. Some plans cover the exam but not frames. Others cover frames up to a certain dollar amount — for example, $150 for frames — and you pay the difference if you choose more expensive frames. Some plans cover one pair of glasses per year; if you need a second pair, you pay for it yourself.

Contact lenses are rarely covered by Medicaid, even in states that cover glasses. If your plan does cover contacts, there is usually a separate limit — for example, one box per month or a yearly dollar cap. Ask your plan and your eye doctor about these limits before you make purchasing decisions.

Children's vision coverage is often more generous than adult coverage. If you are shopping for a child, ask whether your plan covers more frequent exams or more expensive frames for children than it does for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does America's Best take all Medicaid plans?

America's Best accepts Medicaid at most locations, but not every store takes every plan. Call the specific store you plan to visit and provide your plan name. They can tell you in one call whether they accept it and what it typically covers.

Will I have to pay anything at America's Best if I have Medicaid?

It depends on your plan. Some Medicaid plans have no copay for vision services; others charge a small copay at the exam or when you pick up glasses. Call your plan or ask America's Best before your appointment so you know what to expect.

Does Medicaid cover contact lenses at America's Best?

Most state Medicaid programs do not cover contact lenses, though a few do. Check your state Medicaid program's website or call them to find out whether your plan includes contact lens coverage. If it does, ask America's Best whether they stock the brands your plan covers.

What if I need new glasses before my Medicaid plan allows another pair?

You can purchase a second pair out of pocket at America's Best or any other retailer. Some people use discount programs or online retailers for the second pair to keep costs down. Your Medicaid plan will not reimburse you for glasses purchased outside your coverage limits.

How do I learn about my state Medicaid covers vision care?

Search "[your state] Medicaid vision" online to find your state program's official page, which lists what is covered. You can also call your state Medicaid office directly. Have your Medicaid ID number ready and ask what your plan covers for exams, frames, lenses, and how often you can get new eyewear.