Jack's Blog on Medicare Plan Choices

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery? Here’s What You Need to Know

I recently received a question about Medicare and cataract surgery, and I was confident in my response—Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery when it is medically necessary. But then came the follow-up question, and that’s when I had to pause and dig a little deeper.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery involves removing a cloudy natural lens from the eye and, in most cases, replacing it with a clear artificial lens to restore vision.

One of my customers mentioned that he believed Medicare only covers traditional scalpel-based cataract removal and not laser surgery. That made me stop and research further.

What Medicare Covers for Cataract Surgery

Medicare typically covers cataract surgery, whether done using traditional techniques or laser-assisted technology, as long as it involves the implantation of a conventional intraocular lens (IOL). Additionally, Medicare Part B will cover one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of contact lenses) after surgery.

However, it’s important to note that these post-surgery glasses are not the same as regular prescription eyeglasses. They are intended to help fine-tune vision after surgery and correct any remaining refractive errors that the implanted IOL does not fully address. Essentially, Medicare covers a basic pair of glasses or dark non-prescription sunglasses, paying 80% of the cost after you meet your deductible.

Understanding Out-of-Pocket Costs

While Medicare covers the surgery and one pair of post-surgery glasses, you’re still responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible—unless you have additional coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plan, that helps lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

The Bottom Line

Yes, Medicare does cover cataract surgery, whether performed using traditional methods or lasers. Good to know, right?

For more details, check out Medicare’s official page on cataract surgery coverage:
👉 Medicare Cataract Surgery Coverage

Also, I highly recommend downloading the Medicare “What’s Covered” app for quick access to coverage details.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is sourced from Medicare.gov and CMS.gov. To the best of my knowledge, it is accurate; however, it should be used as a guideline rather than a substitute for official Medicare guidance.