Washington County Community Foundation -

News

Is vision care covered by Medicare? I currently have vision insurance through my employer, but I will lose this coverage when I retire.

Many soon-to-be retirees are often unclear with what Medicare covers when it comes to vision care. The good news is that Medicare pays for most eye-related medical issues like cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. Routine care, such as eye exams and eyeglasses, are usually the responsibility of the beneficiary. Below is an overview of what is included and excluded under Medicare.

Eye exams and treatments: Medicare does not cover routine eye exams that test for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but it does cover yearly medical eye exams for individuals with diabetes or at high risk for glaucoma. Medicare will cover examinations for eye diseases if you are experiencing vision issues that suggest a serious condition, including macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, eye infections or if a foreign object is present in your eye.

Eye surgeries: Eye surgeries that are not considered medically necessary, including refractive (LASIK) surgery and cosmetic eye surgery, are not covered by Medicare. Medicare does pay for eye surgeries that help repair the eye function, including cataract surgery to remove cataracts and insert standard intraocular lenses. Medicare will not, however, cover the extra cost of premium multifocal lenses that restore the full range of vision, thereby reducing the need for glasses after cataract surgery. The additional cost for premium lenses may range from $1,500 to $4,000 per eye.

Eyeglasses and contact lenses: Medicare will not typically pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you have had a conventional intraocular lens inserted during cataract surgery, Medicare will pay for one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses following the operation.

Ways to Save

Although original Medicare’s vision coverage is limited to medical issues, there are ways to save on routine care. Here are some options to consider.

Medicare Advantage: Many Medicare Advantage plans, which are alternatives to original Medicare and sold through private insurance companies, cover routine eye exams and eyeglasses. Coverage may be limited so be sure to understand the details of what is and is not covered under any plan being considered. Although enrolling in an Advantage plan exclusively for vision coverage is not recommended, it is an option worth considering. To locate Advantage plans in your area that provide vision coverage, go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227.

Purchase vision insurance: If you get routine eye exams and purchase new eyeglasses annually, a vision insurance plan may be worth the premiums. These policies typically range between $5 and $30 per month. Most plans will also have copays or deductibles you will be responsible for.

Check veterans’ benefits: If you are a veteran and qualify for VA health care benefits, you may be able to get some or all your routine vision care through the VA. Go to VA.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/vision-care to learn more.

Find cheaper shopping options: Many retailers provide discounts between 10% to 50% on eye exams and eyeglasses if you belong to a membership group. You can also save by shopping at discount retailers or big box stores.

You could also consider buying your eyeglasses online which may offer savings. To purchase eyeglasses online, you will need a valid prescription from an eye doctor, usually no more than a year old, and your pupillary distance (PD). Your PD is the measurement in millimeters between the centers of your pupils.

Look for assistance: There are health centers and local clinics that provide free or discounted vision exams and eyeglasses to those in need. To find referrals, visit the National Eye Institute online at nei.nih.gov and click on the “Get Help Paying for Eye Care” option.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

What advice do you have for finding employment opportunities?

Whether you are returning to work, changing careers or seeking new opportunities, having a clear strategy can make all the difference. Below are tips to help guide your job search.

Update Your Resume: You should tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. If you are considering exploring multiple career fields, it may be a good idea to create more than one version of your resume, each one highlighting your experience and skills most relevant to that particular field. Be sure to leave out any positions from more than 10 to 15 years ago or omit graduation years as that may lead to age-related assumptions. Also, use a professional email address, ideally something simple that includes your name. If you do not already have one, you can easily create one for free. For drafting a resume, you can find plenty of free templates and resume generators available online to get you started.

Professional Online Profiles: In addition to a resume, a professional online profile can increase your visibility in the job market. You can use a reputable professional networking platform to highlight your experience, skills, achievements and career interests in a more interactive way than the traditional resume. Employers often already have online profiles that allow them to look you up online before reaching out, so ensure your profile photo, headline and job history are up to date. An online professional presence will also allow for more networking opportunities since it connects you with other professionals in real time.

Prepare for Interviews: While each interview may vary, there can be some common interview questions that can be reviewed ahead of time to make your responses more polished and unique. Spend time thinking through what your personalized answers would be to these typical questions and consider practicing with a friend. Also, prepare some questions to ask the employer. These questions could be about the job’s day-to-day activities and responsibilities which will show interest and give you helpful insight on your desired role.

Local Resources: Check with your local senior community centers or libraries to see if they have job boards or host workshops. State and county assistance programs may also have employment resources, some specifically for seniors.

Online Resources: There are plenty of general job search websites that offer flexible search options. Many online job boards allow you to search by job title, keyword, company or location. These platforms can also filter results for full-time, part-time, remote work and compensation. In some platforms, you can also set up alerts to be notified of new openings based on your previous searches.

For retired job seekers, there are websites specifically designed to focus on relevant opportunities. These websites can also provide additional resources for training, help with resumes and interview preparation to assist with your search.

Stay Positive: Job hunting can be challenging and emotionally draining when job opportunities do not come as soon as expected. Consider setting feasible goals every week and do not forget to celebrate the small accomplishments. Stay persistent and remind yourself that you are a valuable worker.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published May 16, 2025

In a series of letters, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided advice to late filers, those who have extended their deadline to file until October and nonprofits. Taxpayers who missed the April 15 filing deadline should file promptly. Those who filed for an extension have until October 15 to file. The nonprofit filing date is usually May 15, 2025.

Automatic Filing Extension — There are several groups that qualify for an automatic extension. Military members serving in a combat zone have an extension of at least 180 days. Support personnel in the combat zone generally also qualify for this extension. Taxpayers who reside outside the United States usually qualify for a two-month extension. Finally, disaster victims in federally designated areas may qualify for an extension.
Refunds Issued Without Penalty — Taxpayers who missed the April deadline but qualify for a refund may file without penalty. They are encouraged to use IRS Free File on IRS.gov. These individuals may benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child and Dependent Care Credit or Child Tax Credit (CTC). The late filers who use an electronic method will usually receive a refund within 21 days. The “Where’s my refund?” tool on IRS.gov is helpful in tracking the status of your refund.
Reduced Penalties for Late Filers — If you have missed the filing deadline, you still should file and pay as soon as possible. The penalty for filing late is normally 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late. That penalty starts accruing the day after the tax filing due date and will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes. If you have filed and paid your taxes timely for the past three years and meet specific requirements, you may qualify for penalty relief. The “Administrative Penalty Relief” page on IRS.gov offers additional information.
Payment of Your Taxes — If you owe taxes, you may pay with an IRS Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, a debit or credit card, a digital wallet or you may apply online for a payment plan. If you pay electronically, you should receive prompt confirmation by email.
Extensions to October 15 — Taxpayers may file for a six-month extension until October 15, 2025. There are specific automatic extensions for military members in combat zones and taxpayers living outside the U.S. Many victims in specific areas of the nation with federally declared disasters may delay filing.
Nonprofit Organizations — The information and tax returns for tax-exempt organizations have a May 15, 2025, filing deadline. These organizations should file IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF or 990-T by this date. The nonprofit forms must be filed electronically. The IRS offers a series of pre-recorded online workshops. These workshops guide officers, board members and volunteers on how to maintain tax-exempt status, including how to properly file annual information returns.

Editor's Note: If a nonprofit did not file by May 15, it should file IRS Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return. If tax is due for unrelated business taxable income, that payment is required by May 15. However, most organizations are permitted to obtain the six-month extension with no tax payments.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is concerned because there are continuing scams on taxpayers taking place by phone, text, email, and in-person. The IRS reminds taxpayers that it normally initiates contact with a letter or written notice to a taxpayer and does not contact through phone calls, texts or emails.

With a growing number of fraudsters and scammers looking for victims, it is important for individuals to be able to distinguish legitimate IRS staff from imposters. All taxpayers should understand how to protect themselves from fraudulent text messages, emails, phone contacts or in-person visits.

Text Messages — The IRS does not send text messages to individuals with shortened links. Scammers will frequently send text messages that include a bogus link. If you receive an unexpected text, you should refrain from clicking on any links or open attachments.

If you do receive a suspicious text message, you should send a screenshot of it as an attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For individuals with an iPhone, you can take a screenshot by clicking both the Volume Up and the Power button. The screenshot will appear at the lower left corner of the screen. Click on the screenshot to edit, select Done at the top left and save to photos. You may then select the photo of the screenshot, click the lower left button to allow you to choose your email service and send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the screenshot.
Email Scams— The IRS does not ask for personal or financial information with an initial contact through email. The standard IRS contact will be through several letters by regular mail. Any suspicious emails should also be forwarded to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For additional instructions, visit “Report phishing and online scams" page on gov with specific instructions.
Individuals Who Owe Tax— If you owe tax to the IRS, you can expect to receive several letters prior to a phone call. The IRS may follow up the letters with a phone call if you have an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return or have failed to make an unemployment tax deposit. The IRS emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment by a specific payment method like a debit card or gift card, or ask for credit card numbers over the phone. They will also not threaten you with arrest by the local police or demand tax payments without giving you an opportunity to appeal the claim. These strategies all indicate you are talking with a scammer.
IRS Agent In-Person Visits— Generally, IRS officers only make visits after you have received several notices by mail. The IRS revenue agent may make a visit for the purpose of education, investigation and appropriate enforcement steps. IRS auditors also may mail an initial appointment letter and generally will call and confirm the date prior to a scheduled audit appointment. If you have an in-person visit with an IRS representative, you should always ask for his or her credentials and HSPD-12 card. This is a standard government form of identification that will contain the agent’s photo and serial number.
Resolving Tax Issues— On gov, there are several helpful sections that may assist taxpayers in creating payment plans. You can pay taxes through the Online Account with IRS Direct Pay or using your debit or credit card. There are individuals who may qualify for a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise (OIC). The IRS again emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment, will not ask for credit or debit card numbers, will not threaten to have you arrested by local police and will always offer an opportunity to appeal. An IRS appeals officer may review your case prior to any further action.

Editor's Note: The fraudsters and scammers continue to become more sophisticated. Many of them build a relationship with the victim through multiple emails or phone calls prior to taking action to complete fraud. Individuals should be careful if they are contacted by someone who claims to be from the IRS.

Published May 9, 2025