En español | Yes. Even though Medicare doesn’t cover routine vision care, it covers diagnosis and treatment of certain chronic eye conditions, including cataracts and cataract surgery. Show Cataracts happen because of a variety of causes, and aging is the most common factor. Most cataracts aren’t visibly noticeable. Gradually, cataracts become denser, which means the eye's lens becomes more opaque. Over time this can cause blindness. Cataract surgery is performed when the visual function becomes impaired and can’t be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Medicare covers “medically necessary” cataract surgery, which includes removing the cataract and implanting a basic intraocular lens (IOL). This is a small, lightweight, clear disk that replaces the focusing power of the eye’s natural crystalline lens. This procedure is performed using traditional surgical techniques or lasers. Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, covered under Medicare Part B. Once you pay the annual Part B deductible, which is $233 in 2022, you’re responsible for the Part B coinsurance. That means you’ll pay 20 percent of the cost for covered services yourself. If you buy a Medicare supplement policy, also known as Medigap, you’ll have full or partial coverage for the 20 percent Part B coinsurance. Does Medicare cover eyeglasses after cataract surgery?Yes. Even though Medicare usually doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, it has one exception: Medicare Part B will pay for one set of corrective glasses or contacts after having cataract surgery to implant an IOL. In this case, you’ll pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the glasses or contacts. In covering prescription glasses or contacts following surgery, Medicare limits its coverage to standard eyeglass frames. You must foot the additional bill if you want upgraded frames. Medicare requires that you purchase the glasses or contacts from a Medicare approved supplier. Does Medicare cover any other cataract-related costs?Not really. Medicare covers medically necessary cataract surgery with standard intraocular lenses. Medicare won’t cover advanced technology lenses or elective surgery primarily to correct vision from nearsightedness or astigmatism, called “refractive lens exchanges.” Talk with your doctor about your options and costs before your surgery. Keep in mindIf you opt for coverage from a private Medicare Advantage plan, rather than original Medicare, you’ll also have coverage for cataract surgery. However, you may have to pay different deductibles or copayments and need to use an in-network provider. Ask your plan about its coverage details before you schedule surgery. Updated September 29, 2022 
Generally, Medicare does not cover the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses, although coverage for some items may be available after certain types of cataract surgery. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer vision care. Coverage for vision care may have associated costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Various programs are available to help with these costs, depending on a person’s circumstances. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare and coverage for eyeglasses.
Federally funded Medicare provides health insurance for older people in the United States. Some younger people with certain conditions or disabilities may also be eligible. The program includes:
Coverage may be available for eyeglasses or corrective eyeglass lenses, depending on the Medicare plan. Original MedicareOriginal Medicare (parts A and B) does not offer coverage for routine vision care, including eyeglasses, except in certain situations. Therefore, a person has to pay 100% of the costs. However, Medicare coverage is available after a person has cataract surgery, as Medicare Part B will pay for corrective eyeglass lenses if the surgery included an intraocular lens implant. The eyeglasses must have standard frames and come from a Medicare-enrolled supplier, as Medicare will not pay for designer frames. A person can upgrade their frames if they are willing to pay the additional costs over the medically approved amount. Learn more about original Medicare (parts A and B) here. Medicare AdvantageWhile Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same coverage as original Medicare, they often include additional benefits, such as hearing, dental, and vision care. The latter coverage may include eye exams and eyeglasses, although there may be out-of-pocket costs. Depending on the Advantage plan, a person may need to use in-network providers to get the best cost savings. Learn more about the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage here. The coverage of eyeglasses may have several associated costs and conditions. Original MedicareIf a person gets coverage through Medicare Part B, they will need to meet the Medicare Part B annual deductible of $203 (in 2021), plus 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. They will also pay the Part B monthly premium, which is $148.50 in 2021. Medicare AdvantageThe costs for Medicare Advantage plans vary depending on several factors, including the type and provider of the plan and the geographical area it covers. However, they may include a monthly premium, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. In addition, plans generally have out-of-pocket costs — both in-network and out-of-network. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Advantage premiums in 2019 averaged $29 a month. However, a person would also need to factor in the $148.50 monthly premium for Medicare Part B. In addition, a plan’s out-of-pocket costs generally have yearly limits, after which a person will not pay for covered services. A person can use this online tool to search for plans and compare benefits and costs. People may be able to get some help with the cost of eyeglasses and other vision care items. Possible options include:
Original Medicare (parts A and B) does not generally pay for eye exams or eyeglasses. However, Medicare Part B provides coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery when surgeons place an artificial lens in the eye. People who are at high risk of glaucoma or have diabetes may have yearly preventive eye screenings. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for vision healthcare that may include exams and eyeglasses. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance. Last medically reviewed on February 1, 2021
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Does medicare pay for cataract surgery and glasses afterwards
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