Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures for seniors, and Medicare covers it. Here's what you'll pay.
What does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary cataract surgery whether done with traditional surgical techniques or lasers. This includes the surgeon's services, the facility fee, a standard monofocal intraocular lens implant, and follow-up care. Notably, Medicare also covers one pair of corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses after the surgery, one of the few times Original Medicare pays for glasses. You'll generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible. If you choose a premium upgraded lens, such as a multifocal or astigmatism-correcting lens, you pay the extra cost yourself. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP at 1-800-633-4427 to understand your costs.
How much will cataract surgery cost you?
Under Original Medicare, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for cataract surgery after your annual Part B deductible, with Medicare paying the other 80%. Costs vary by facility and region, and there's no out-of-pocket maximum with Original Medicare alone. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan can pay some or all of that 20% coinsurance, sometimes reducing your cost to little or nothing. Medicare Advantage plans cover cataract surgery too, but with their own copays and network rules. To see how a Medigap plan could lower your share, call 1-800-MEDIGAP for a free, no-obligation comparison.