The lenses in our eyes are normally clear. But if you get cataracts, your lenses can be clouded. Cataracts cause blurry vision. And, in some cases, they can cause near-blindness. This makes it important to treat. The good thing is Medicare will cover surgery for cataracts. In most cases, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) won’t pay for routine vision care. But cataract surgery isn’t routine care. So Medicare Part B does cover it.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on the eye’s lens. Most times, they develop slowly over a number of years. This clouding starts when proteins in the eye break down and collect. This leads to a blockage.
Symptoms of cataract disease include:
- Cloudy vision
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Other issues
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?
If you don’t have insurance, the cost of cataract surgery may be high. It can cost more than a few thousand dollars per eye. The cost may go up or down based on your surgeon, where you get care and other factors. If you have insurance, some or all of those costs may be covered.
How much does Medicare pay for cataract removal?
Before Medicare Part B starts to pay for your health care costs, you’ll need to pay your Part B deductible. Once that’s paid, Part B pays for 80 percent of Medicare-approved costs. The amount you pay will vary if you have a plan other than Medicare Part B or if you have Part B plus other coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) often cover vision care. A Part C plan may also cover cataract surgery.
What type of lens does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?
Lenses can be made for eyeglasses or contacts. But a lens can also be made to replace the one inside your eye. Cataract surgery removes the lens in your eye. Once it’s removed, your lens will be replaced by an “intraocular” lens. (This just means “inside your eye.”) This new lens is permanent. It’ll work for you the same way your natural eye lens did.
Medicare Part B will cover this new lens, in most cases. There are some special lenses that may not be covered. You may still need eyeglasses after a cataract surgery. It’ll depend on the kind of intraocular lens you get. While Original Medicare doesn’t cover most vision care, your eyeglasses in this case may also be covered by Medicare Part B.
After surgery, be sure to follow up with your eye doctor. Schedule an eye exam to have your eyesight checked. You’ll want to stay on top of your vision care, just as you do with dental and hearing care.
