Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

While Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t provide vision coverage for routine eye care, it does help pay for cataract surgery if done using traditional surgical techniques or lasers. Surgery may be needed when a cataract causes vision loss that affects daily activities like reading or driving.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. Early cataracts are small and do not affect vision, though they may be detected in an eye exam.

As a cataract grows over time, it clouds more of the eye lens and affects vision. Vision changes caused by cataracts may include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Faded or dull colors
• Bright glare from headlights, lamps, or sunlight
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Double vision

There are several factors that may affect your actual cataract surgery costs with Medicare. These might include:

• Your current plan or coverage level
• The clinic or hospital that completes the surgery
• The type of surgery required
• How long your surgery takes
• Surgery complexity and potential complications

Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the Medicare-approved costs for cataract surgery after the Part B deductible is met. A Medicare Supplement plan may help with some costs not paid by Medicare.

Costs for cataract surgery with a Medicare Advantage plan will depend on the plan. Many plans offer coverage for routine eye care as well. Call the number on your member ID card to talk to a customer service representative about your plan’s coverage for cataract surgery and eye care overall.

If you do need cataract surgery, you may also want to read ;“Will Medicare Cover Prescription Lenses, Glasses or Sunglasses?”