Does Medicare cover cataract eye surgery?

Eyes can be thought of as windows to the world. The lenses in our eyes are normally clear. But they can sometimes become clouded by a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts cause blurry vision, and in some cases near-blindness. This makes treatment a priority. Fortunately, there is Medicare coverage for cataract surgery. Medicare is separated into four parts – A, B, C and D. Parts A and B, referred to as Original Medicare, do not typically cover routine vision care. Cataract surgery is not considered routine, however. So the vision coverage provided by Medicare Part B does cover it.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on the eye’s lens. They usually develop slowly over a number of years. This clouding happens when proteins in the eye break down and collect, eventually forming a blockage. Symptoms of cataract disease include cloudy vision, light sensitivity and double vision, among others. The condition grows more common with age, so be sure to keep up with your vision care on top of dental and hearing care. This can help you catch the signs earlier.

How much does cataract surgery cost with no insurance?

The cost of cataract surgery without insurance can be more than several thousand dollars per eye. As with any surgical procedure, that number will vary depending on your surgeon, where you get care and other factors. With insurance, some or all of those cataract operation costs may be covered.

How much does Medicare pay for cataract removal?

Medicare Part B pays for 80 percent of Medicare-approved costs after the Medicare Part B deductible is paid. The amount you pay varies if you have coverage other than, or in addition to, Medicare Part B. While Medicare Part B coverage does include the procedure, a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) may also provide vision coverage, which includes cataract surgery. Consider looking into an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan if you don’t currently have this coverage.

What type of lens does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?

Original Medicare coverage for eyeglasses is limited, but it does extend to the lenses you’ll need after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery removes the lens in your eye. This leaves you with no cataracts, but also an incomplete eye. After the procedure, this missing piece is replaced by an intraocular lens. This is a permanent, artificial lens that serves the same purpose as your natural eye lens. The intraocular lens is usually covered by Medicare Part B, although some specialized types of lenses may not be. You may still need eyeglasses after a cataract operation depending on the kind of intraocular lens you receive. These may also be covered under your Part B benefits.

After surgery, be sure to follow up with your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam to check the quality of your eyesight. You’ll want to stay on top of your vision care, just as you do with dental and hearing care.