America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses and Medicaid Coverage

America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses does accept Medicaid, but coverage depends on your state's Medicaid program and your specific plan. Not every America's Best location participates, and not every Medicaid plan covers the same services or the same providers. Before you go to an appointment, you need to confirm three things: whether your state's Medicaid covers vision care, whether your particular plan includes it, and whether the specific America's Best location you plan to visit is in-network.

Medicaid vision coverage varies widely. Some states cover eye exams and glasses for adults; others cover only children. Some plans cover contacts; others do not. Some America's Best stores are in-network for certain Medicaid plans but not others. Showing up without checking first can mean paying out of pocket for services you thought were covered, or discovering mid-appointment that the location does not take your plan.

Key Takeaways

  • America's Best participates in Medicaid in most states, but individual locations vary in which plans they accept.
  • Your state's Medicaid program determines what vision services are covered — some cover exams and glasses for adults, others only for children.
  • You must call your Medicaid plan directly or check your member card to confirm your vision coverage before scheduling an appointment.
  • Calling the America's Best location you plan to visit is the fastest way to confirm they accept your specific Medicaid plan.
  • If your nearest America's Best does not take your plan, your Medicaid program can direct you to in-network providers in your area.

How to Confirm Coverage Before Your Visit

Start by checking your Medicaid member card or your state's Medicaid website. Your card lists your plan name and a customer service number. Call that number and ask whether your plan covers vision services, what services are covered (exam only, exam plus glasses, contacts), and whether there are any copays or out-of-pocket costs.

Once you know your plan covers vision care, call the specific America's Best location you want to visit. Give them your Medicaid plan name and ask whether they are in-network for that plan. Some locations accept multiple Medicaid plans; others accept only one or two. The staff can tell you immediately whether they can see you under your coverage.

If the location you prefer does not accept your plan, ask your Medicaid plan's customer service line for a list of in-network vision providers near you. Many states maintain searchable provider directories on their Medicaid websites as well.

What Vision Services Medicaid Typically Covers

Most state Medicaid programs cover a comprehensive eye exam, which includes checking your vision, eye pressure, and eye health. Coverage for glasses or contacts varies by state and plan. Some plans cover a new pair of glasses once per year; others cover them once every two years. Some plans cover contacts instead of glasses; some cover both; some cover neither.

Children's vision coverage is more consistent across states than adult coverage. Most states cover eye exams and glasses for children under 18 or 21, depending on the state. Adult coverage is less predictable — some states cover it for all adults, others only for adults with specific conditions like diabetes, and some do not cover adult vision care at all.

Medicaid does not typically cover cosmetic frames or designer brands, but it does cover standard frames that meet the plan's specifications. Ask the America's Best staff which frames are covered under your plan before you choose one.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your Medicaid member card and a photo ID. If you have a referral from your primary care doctor, bring that as well — some Medicaid plans require a referral for vision care, though many do not. Call ahead to ask whether your plan requires one.

If you are picking up glasses or contacts that were ordered previously, bring any paperwork from that order. If you are a new patient at that location, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete intake forms.

What Happens If Your Plan Does Not Cover Vision Care

If your Medicaid plan does not cover vision services, America's Best offers cash prices for exams and glasses. These prices vary by location and by what you choose, but America's Best is known for lower-cost options compared to other optical retailers. Ask about their uninsured pricing when you call.

Some states have separate vision programs outside of Medicaid that cover low-income adults. Your Medicaid plan's customer service line can tell you whether your state has one and how to access it. Organizations like VSP and EyeMed also run discount vision programs that are not insurance but offer reduced rates at participating providers, which may include some America's Best locations.

If Your Nearest America's Best Does Not Accept Your Plan

Call your Medicaid plan and ask for a list of in-network vision providers in your area. Most plans have multiple options — optometrists, ophthalmologists, and optical chains. Your state's Medicaid website usually has a searchable provider directory as well, which you can filter by location and specialty.

If you live in a rural area with few options, some Medicaid plans allow you to go out-of-network with prior approval. Ask your plan whether this is possible and what paperwork you need. Some plans will cover out-of-network care if no in-network provider is available within a certain distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an optometrist at America's Best?

Some Medicaid plans require a referral; others do not. Check your member card or call your plan's customer service line to find out. If your plan does require one, ask your primary care doctor for a referral before you schedule your appointment at America's Best.

Will Medicaid cover contacts instead of glasses?

It depends on your state and your specific plan. Some plans cover contacts; some cover glasses only; some cover both. Call your Medicaid plan to ask what your coverage includes. If your plan covers contacts, ask whether there is a copay or whether they are fully covered.

What if I lose my Medicaid coverage between my exam and when my glasses are ready?

If your glasses are already ordered and paid for by Medicaid before your coverage ends, you can still pick them up. If your coverage ends before the order is placed, you will be responsible for the full cost. Ask America's Best when your glasses will be ready and confirm your Medicaid coverage status before that date.

Can I use Medicaid at America's Best if I just moved to a new state?

You can use Medicaid from your new state once your coverage is active there. If you are still covered under your old state's Medicaid while you transition, you may not be able to use it at providers in your new state. Contact your new state's Medicaid program to find out when your coverage begins and which providers you can see in the meantime.

Does America's Best offer payment plans if Medicaid does not cover everything?

Many America's Best locations offer in-house payment plans or accept third-party financing for out-of-pocket costs. Call the location you plan to visit and ask what payment options they have if you will owe money after your Medicaid coverage is applied.