Is Medicare's coverage for cataract surgery enough, or do seniors still face high out-of-pocket costs?

Question

Gretchen Morris · Accepted Answer

Original Medicare covers 80% of a variety of services including cataract surgery. Depending on how you subsidize original medicare your costs will vary. Medicare is a very individual choice and one to not take lightly. My job is to educate you on your choices to supplement and ensure you understand the pros and cons of each.

Answered by Gretchen Morris on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, AZ, FL & WI

Answered by Gretchen Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Cataract Surgery with traditional Medicare Part A and B with a Medigap Plan G will cost you absolutely nothing if you meet your Part B annual deductible. That is for the basic lens. Anything above the basic that has bifocals, etc., will be your out-of-pocket expenses. Even a cornea transplant is covered by Medicare Part A and Part B with a Medigap plan G.

Answered by Larry Dalton on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Potter · Answer

Medicare covers cataract surgery.   The surgery includes mono vision lens.   You would pay for any upgrades if you request them m

Jim Neil · Answer

If a person has a Supplement/Medigap (Plan G, F, or N) cataracts would be covered 80% by Part B and then the 20% would be covered by Plan G/F/N after the $257 Part B Medical deductible has been satisfied. That's excellent coverage. If a beneficiary has Advantage (HMO or PPO) cataract surgery is typically covered under the outpatient procedure benefit, which can vary by plan and by state. I've seen outpatient surgery as low as around $100 and it can be as high as $400 or more. That's why people need independent agents like myself to navigate these differences in plans and coverage.

Answered by Jim Neil on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, AL, AR & 31 other states

Answered by Jim Neil Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Since cataracts are indeed covered by Medicare, depending on the policy that you applied for at age 65, most of the costs are currently covered. In addition, after the 2 cataracts are removed, you need to find an eyewear store who knows how to submit the paperwork to Medicare so that the very next pair of glasses & frames won't cost you at all!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

After meeting the $257 Part B deductible, you will have the 20% responsibility. Now if you have a Supplement plan to your Original Medicare, then the 20% should be paid in Full, or at least in part, of the remaining balance.

Answered by Norman Smith on April 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

That depends on the person. Most cataract surgery is simple and the cost is covered by most Medicare Advantage Plans.

Tammy Stoner · Answer

Depending on the advantage plan, cataract surgery may have an outpatient co-pay. Some plans may offer additional benefits to assist with glasses after surgery.

Medicare with a supplement would be covered if the annual deductible for part B is met.
Medicare may pay for the first basic pair of glasses after surgery.

Robert Helmkamp II · Answer

Original Medicare most times will cover cataract surgery if the cataract is affecting your vision or daily activities. If the surgery is approved, Medicare will cover removal of the cataract, implantation of a standard intraocular lens (IOL), and hospital stay if necessary. When considering Medicare plans, it is much cheaper to have a Medicare Advantage or Supplement Plan when it comes to in/out patient procedures, hospital stays, and doctor copays. With a Medicare Advantage you will have set copays for all doctor visits, er/hospital stays, out/in patient procedures, and added supplemental benefits not offered by Original Medicare like Dental, Vision, and Hearing. The out of Pocket Costs for a cataract surgery with just Original Medicare would be:

Coinsurance: Typically 20% of the Medicare-approved cost
 
Deductible: The annual deductible for Part B is currently $257 (2025) 

Upgraded IOLs: Medicare does not cover the cost of more advanced or specialized IOLs

Fred Manas · Answer

While Medicare covers a significant portion of cataract surgery costs, seniors may still face out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare typically covers 80% of the surgery, including pre- and post-operative exams, the surgery itself, and a new lens implant, but beneficiaries are responsible for a deductible and 20% coinsurance. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Medicare Part B:
.
This covers the 80% of Medicare-approved costs for cataract surgery, after you meet your Part B deductible. 
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
.
You'll still be responsible for your Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025. You'll also pay 20% of the surgery's cost (coinsurance). 
Additional Costs:
.
These can include physician fees, medication costs, and potential complications. 
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
If you have a Medigap plan, it may cover some or all of your out-of-pocket costs, including the coinsurance and potentially the deductible. 
Medicare Advantage:
These plans may have different cost-sharing arrangements and may offer lower out-of-pocket costs, but you'll generally be limited to in-network providers. 
Factors Affecting Costs:
Type of lens:  Medicare only covers standard intraocular lenses. Premium lenses that correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, or presbyopia may not be covered, leading to additional costs. 
Location:  The cost of surgery can vary depending on where you live and the type of facility where the surgery is performed (e.g., ambulatory surgical center vs. hospital). 
Doctor's fees:  Surgical fees can vary, especially if you choose a surgeon outside of the network.

Steve Brauer · Answer

Medicare covers cataract surgery like most other types of medically necessary procedures. It does not matter if you're on Original Medicare with a Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plans...they cover it the same, in terms of the procedure. IF you wanted to do the Lasik surgery while they are fixing the cataracts, it would be an additional charge, since Lasik is not considered medically necessary

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

Medicare may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraicular lenses, depending on where you live.  Medicare doesn’t usually doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses.  Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of lenses) after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens.


After you meet the part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount to both facility and the doctor who performs your surgery.  

Therefore, after you meet the part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount for both intraocular lenses and the surgery to implant it.  

If Medicare covers cataract surgery in your area, you can get it using traditional surgical techniques or lasers.  Speak with your physician and health plan provider.

Diana Pedersen · Answer

Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of cataract surgery and post-surgical corrective lenses. You must first meet the annual deductible, which is $257 in 2025, and pay 20% of the cost of cataract surgery. A Medigap plan will cover the remaining 20% cost you are responsible for paying.

Answered by Diana Pedersen on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA & ID

Answered by Diana Pedersen Medicare Insurance Agent

Debra Weber · Answer

It depends on what coverage that you have. Traditional medicare and a supplement you would pay out of pocket max $240.00 in 2025 if you had not met the deductible for part B. Depending on the lenses you choose to replace it ranges from $0 to $4,000 in 2025. Should you need glasses after the removal of the cataract medicare covers the first pair. Mind you, they are basic not designer frames.
With a medicare advantage plan, it depends on your outpatient copays

Lowell Ryals · Answer

just Medicare alone you will pay 20% copay as Medicare only pays 80% of the cost you pay the other 20%.
if you have a medigap plan that will cover all of the costs.
If you have an advantage plan you will only have to pay the copays.

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Is Medicare's coverage for cataract surgery enough, or do seniors still face high out-of-pocket costs?

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