Does America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses Take Medicaid?

America's Best Medicaid Coverage: What You Need to Know

America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses does accept Medicaid in most states, but coverage and which locations participate vary significantly by your state's Medicaid program. Not every America's Best store takes Medicaid, and not every state's Medicaid covers the same services or the same dollar amounts. Before you go to a store, you need to check two things: whether your specific state Medicaid plan covers vision care, and whether the America's Best location near you is in your plan's network.

Vision coverage under Medicaid is optional for states — meaning some states offer it and some do not. Even states that do cover vision care often limit it to children under 21, adults over 65, or people with specific conditions. The coverage may include an eye exam, glasses, or contact lenses, but rarely all three. Your state Medicaid program sets the benefit, not America's Best, so the first step is confirming what your state actually covers.

Key Takeaways

America's Best participates in Medicaid in most states, but you must verify that your state's Medicaid plan covers vision care before visiting a store.
Not all America's Best locations are in-network for Medicaid, so call ahead or check your plan's provider directory to confirm the store near you accepts your coverage.
Medicaid vision benefits vary by state and often have age limits or cover only exams, glasses, or contacts — not all three.
You will need your Medicaid card and may need to show a referral or prior authorization depending on your state's rules.
If your state does not cover vision care, you can ask America's Best about their discount programs or payment plans for out-of-pocket costs.

How to Check If Your State Medicaid Covers Vision Care

Start by contacting your state Medicaid office directly or logging into your online Medicaid account. Each state runs its own Medicaid program under different names — for example, California calls it Medi-Cal, New York calls it Medicaid, and Texas calls it CHIP or STAR. Your state's website will list what vision services are covered, who is covered (age groups or income limits), and how often you can use the benefit.

You can also call the customer service number on the back of your Medicaid card. Tell them you want to know if your plan covers eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses, and ask them to confirm whether America's Best is in your network. Some states cover vision only for children or seniors, so knowing your may be able to access category matters. Write down the benefit details — the dollar amount covered, whether you need a referral, and any limits on how often you can use it.

Confirming America's Best Is In-Network at Your Location

Even if your state covers vision care, the specific America's Best store you plan to visit must be contracted with your Medicaid plan. Call the store directly and ask whether they accept your state's Medicaid. You can find the phone number on America's Best's website by entering your zip code. Have your Medicaid card ready when you call so you can give them your plan name and member ID.

Alternatively, check your Medicaid plan's provider directory online. Log into your state Medicaid portal or call the number on your card and ask for the list of in-network optometrists and optical shops. Search for America's Best locations in your area. If the store you want to visit is not listed, ask whether there is another America's Best location nearby that participates, or whether they can recommend another in-network provider.

What to Bring When You Visit America's Best

Bring your Medicaid card and a photo ID. Some states require a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see an optometrist, so check with your state Medicaid program or call America's Best ahead of time to ask. If a referral is needed, contact your doctor's office and request one for an eye exam at America's Best.

Ask America's Best whether your plan requires prior authorization — this is approval from your Medicaid plan before they will pay for glasses or contacts. Some states require it, some do not. If it is required and America's Best has not obtained it yet, they can usually request it on your behalf, but it may delay your visit or the time you receive your glasses. Calling ahead prevents surprises at checkout.

What Medicaid Usually Covers for Vision Care

Most state Medicaid programs that cover vision care include an annual or biennial eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The exam typically covers checking your vision, eye pressure, and eye health. However, coverage for glasses and contact lenses varies widely. Some states cover both, some cover only glasses, and some cover neither — they pay only for the exam.

When glasses are covered, Medicaid usually pays for a basic frame and standard lenses. Designer frames, premium lens coatings (like anti-glare or blue-light filtering), and contact lenses may not be covered or may require you to pay the difference out of pocket. Ask America's Best to show you which frames and lens options are covered under your specific Medicaid plan before you choose. The store can tell you what your plan will pay and what you would owe.

If Your State Does Not Cover Vision Care

If your state's Medicaid does not cover vision care, you are not required to pay full price at America's Best. Ask about their discount programs — many optical retailers offer in-house discounts or participate in vision discount plans like VSP or EyeMed that work independently of insurance. America's Best may also offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months with little or no interest.

You can also look into whether you may have access to for other programs. Some nonprofits and community health centers offer free or low-cost eye exams and glasses based on income. Your state health department or local community health center can point you toward these resources. If you are over 65 or have Medicare, Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or glasses either, but you may have other options through Medicare Advantage plans or supplemental insurance.

What Happens If America's Best Is Out of Network

If the America's Best location you want to visit does not participate in your Medicaid plan, you have two choices. You can ask America's Best whether they will bill your Medicaid as an out-of-network provider — some stores will do this and let Medicaid pay what it would normally pay, with you covering the difference. This is not may provide, so ask first.

Your other option is to find an in-network provider. Call your Medicaid plan or check the provider directory for optometrists and optical shops near you that do accept your coverage. You may find another America's Best location in your area that is in-network, or you may need to use a different provider. In-network providers are always the better choice because your Medicaid plan will cover the full allowed amount, and you will not face surprise bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see an optometrist at America's Best with Medicaid?

It depends on your state. Some state Medicaid programs require a referral from your primary care doctor, and some do not. Call your state Medicaid office or the number on your card to ask. If a referral is required, contact your doctor's office and request one for an eye exam.

Will Medicaid pay for contact lenses at America's Best?

Some states cover contact lenses under Medicaid, and some do not. Even states that do may limit coverage to certain situations — for example, only if you cannot wear glasses due to a medical condition. Check with your state Medicaid program or call America's Best to ask what your specific plan covers.

What if I do not know which America's Best locations accept my Medicaid?

Call the America's Best location nearest you and ask whether they accept your state's Medicaid plan. You can also log into your Medicaid plan's website and search the provider directory for in-network optical shops, or call your Medicaid customer service line and ask them to tell you which America's Best stores are in your network.

Can I use Medicaid at America's Best if I live in a state that does not cover vision care?

No. If your state Medicaid does not cover vision care, Medicaid will not pay at any provider, including America's Best. Ask America's Best about their discount programs or payment plans, or contact your local community health center to ask about free or low-cost eye care options.

Will I have to pay anything out of pocket at America's Best with Medicaid?

Possibly. If your plan covers the full cost of your exam and glasses, you may pay nothing. If you choose frames or lenses that cost more than your plan covers, you will pay the difference. Ask America's Best to explain what your plan covers and what you would owe before you make your choices.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.