Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary cataract surgery using a standard intraocular lens, including the pre-surgery exam and one pair of glasses or contacts afterward.
What flips the answer
- Not covered when
You choose a premium or upgraded intraocular lens (multifocal, toric) — Medicare only pays the standard-lens amount, and you cover the extra cost out of pocket.
- Not covered when
The surgery is not deemed medically necessary by your provider (for example, very early cataracts with minimal vision impact).
Cataract surgery is one of the more straightforward coverage stories in Medicare. Part B covers the surgery itself — removal of the cloudy lens and implantation of a standard intraocular lens — when it's medically necessary, along with the related pre-operative exam and post-operative care.
After surgery, Medicare also covers one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses from a Medicare-enrolled supplier, which is a notable exception to Medicare's general exclusion of vision care.
The gap shows up with lens upgrades. If you choose a premium intraocular lens — such as a multifocal or toric lens designed to reduce dependence on glasses for astigmatism or near vision — Medicare pays its standard amount toward a conventional lens, and you pay the difference for the upgraded lens and any associated services.
That's the general answer. Yours is written in your actual policy.
Drop in your policy or benefits document and get the answer for your exact coverage — with the clause it comes from. Nothing is stored.
Check my policy →