Medicare Coverage of Cataract Surgery: What's Included & Extras (2024)

Medicare covers cataract surgery and the costs associated with lens replacements, glasses, and contacts after surgery. Keep reading to learn all about how Medicare plans cover cataracts.

Table of Contents

  • How Medicare Works
  • Key Facts
  • Cataract Surgery Without Insurance
  • Cost of Surgery with Medicare
  • Coverage Exclusions

Most people are dismayed to learn that basic Medicare doesn’t cover common vision costs, such as annual exams. But cataracts are different.

Even basic Medicare plans cover cataract surgeries and the glasses or contacts you might need after those procedures to see clearly.

And if you have a secondary add-on Medicare plan you pay for each month, you could get even better coverage.

Medicare Coverage of Cataract Surgery: What's Included & Extras (1)

How Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Medicare is a federal program that delivers basic health insurance to older people and those with qualifying medical conditions. A traditional Medicare plan with no add-ons is made to help you avoid devastating medical bills, but it has few protections for the things you might want or need to live a better life.

Cataractscan lead to blindness over time. They are considered serious medical issues by health insurers that cover most of the treatment costs. As a result, Medicare will cover cataract expenses, including the removal and replacement of lenses.
But how much you will pay, and how the program will work, depends on what type of Medicare coverage you have. Several plans are available.

Medicare PlanCoverageDeductibles & Co-paysExample Cataract Coverage
Part AInpatient hospital services, including surgeries and aftercareYes, depending on the serviceCataract surgery, if it occurs in an inpatient facility
Part BOutpatient services, such as doctor’s visits, preventive screenings, lab tests, and surgeries. Also covers corrective lenses post-surgeryYes, you must pay a deductible and may have copaymentsCataract surgery in an outpatient setting and corrective lenses
Part C (Medicare Advantage)Combines Parts A and B and often includes Part D. May include additional coverage, like visionVaries by planPotential additional eye health benefits and potentially less expensive surgery
Part DPrescription medicationsYes, depending on the medication and planMedications needed post-surgery, such as pain relief and eye drops

Key Facts About Medicare Cataract Coverage

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost Without Insurance?

Medicare Coverage of Cataract Surgery: What's Included & Extras (2)

Insurance plans like Medicare are designed to help you avoid crippling costs associated with health problems. You pay a small amount each month for a great deal of protection. Without insurance, fixing a problem like a cataract can be prohibitively expensive.

People typically pay between $3,500 and $7,000 per eye for cataract surgeries without insurance. If you live in an expensive part of the country or choose a pricey doctor, you could spend even more.

What Is the Cost of Surgery with Medicare?

Your doctor should help you understand what you’ll pay long before you arrive for surgery. Clinics, hospitals, and outpatient surgery centers have teams devoted to untangling insurance details and explaining the issues to their patients. Ask questions before you get started.

In general, this is what you can expect to pay.

How Much Does Surgery Cost?

Medicare Part B will pay for a basic cataract surgery performed in an outpatient center. Your costs include the following:

  • Deductible: You must pay $226 (in 2023) before Medicare Part B will cover your health care costs. If you haven’t had any other procedures in the calendar year, you must pay this fee now.
  • Copayment: You pay 20 percent of the final bill, which is typically a few hundred dollars.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your surgery costs could be completely different. You may not have a deductible or copayment if you use a covered doctor.

Does the Surgical Site Matter?

If you’re using a Medicare Advantage plan, you must pay close attention to your surgery’s location. Many of these plans have relationships with doctors and clinics. If you step outside of these contracts, you could be responsible for the whole bill.

If you’re using Medicare Part B, you must use a surgery center or clinic. If you opt for a hospital when your doctor doesn’t think you need this care, you could be responsible for the bill.

Are There Other Fees?

Medicare covers a very basic replacement lens in cataract surgery. If you want a more advanced lens, you’re likely responsible for those costs, including the surgery required to put this premium lens in your eye.

Are There Medicare Cataract Surgery Coverage Exclusions?

Many hospitals, clinics, and outpatient surgery centers accept Medicare payment plans, but some don’t. If you choose a location that doesn’t accept your insurance coverage, you’ll pay the whole fee.

Medicare also won’t pay for progress appointments. If your doctor wants to watch your eye health closely and ensure you’re not developing another cataract, you’ll need a Medicare Advantage plan to help.

Medicare & Cataract Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t Medicare cover all items and services related to cataract surgery?

The Social Security Act limits what is covered by Medicare. The insurance will not pay for everything you need, even when the doctor certifies them as necessary as per the regulations of the Medicare Act.

What will you pay for cataract surgery in ASCs (ambulatory surgery centers)?

In an ASC, you will pay for the difference between the amount that Medicare pays for standard cataract surgery and the extra cost for your IOL plus a handling fee. Some ASCs also charge a usage fee for the aberrometer when using premium IOLs. Exact costs are difficult to quantify. Cataract procedures are almost always outpatient procedures, which keeps the cost down.

Will Medicare coverage differ for laser and bladeless surgical procedures?

No. Medicare payment and coverage are similar, whether your cataract surgery is done using a computer-controlled laser or the conventional blade. In both instances, Medicare meets the expenses of cataract removal and implantation of an IOL.

Will Medicare cover the cost of eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses after surgery?

No. Medicare does not cover any routine eye exams for glasses or contacts. It is possible to qualify for some exam coverage under Medicare Part C, but that will depend on your particular situation.

Can other programs help me cover the cost of cataract surgery?

Yes.Mission Cataract USAoffers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who can’t afford the procedure. In addition,Operation Sightalso provides financial assistance for eye patients with low incomes.

Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery with astigmatism?

Replacement lenses that correct astigmatism aren’t covered in Medicare Part A or B plans. Your Medicare Advantage plan might offer different types of coverage.

Does Medicare cover multifocal lenses in cataract surgery?

No. Medicare only covers a monofocal IOL. You can use glasses to make up the difference after surgery. Medicare will pay for those aids.

The information provided on this page should not be used in place of information provided by a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages.

Medicare Coverage of Cataract Surgery: What's Included & Extras (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 6337

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.