Cataract surgery
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live.
Description
Cataract surgery removes a cloudy natural lens from your eye and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear artificial lens.
Coverage details
Medicare doesn’t usually cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of contact lenses) after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens.
Costs
- For covered cataract surgery in a hospital outpatient setting or ambulatory surgical center: After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to both the facility and the doctor who performs your surgery.
- For covered cataract surgery you get in a doctor’s office: After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for both the intraocular lens and the surgery to implant it.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service