Cataract surgery

Medicare may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live. 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. 

Your costs in Original Medicare

  • 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. 

What it is

Cataract surgery removes a cloudy natural lens from your eye and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear artificial lens.

Things to know

If Medicare covers cataract surgery in your area, you can get it using traditional surgical techniques or lasers.

Is my test, item, or service covered?