Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare Part G?
Asked by: Abraham Dare | Last update: November 22, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (57 votes)
What part of cataract surgery is not covered by Medicare?
Medicare only covers necessary cataract surgery using standard intraocular lenses. It won't cover advanced lenses or elective surgery that's made to correct astigmatism or nearsightedness.
What is the average cost of cataract surgery with Medicare?
Average cataract surgery costs vary depending on the source. Medicare, which bases national averages on 2022 payments, indicates the average cost ranges between $1,808 and $2,866 per eye, depending on which type of care facility performs the procedure.
Does Medicare Part G pay for eye exams?
Plan G Extra includes all the benefits of Plan G, plus these additional benefits: Vision benefits, including coverage for the cost of eye exams, frames, and eyeglass or contact lenses provided by Vision Service Plan (VSP) that are not traditionally covered by Original Medicare.
What insurance pays for cataract surgery?
Yes, cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and commercial insurance as a medically necessary procedure, granted that the patient meets certain criteria. While requirements vary, a patient needs to be symptomatic and express difficulty performing any number of activities of daily living.
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Does Medicare Plan G cover cataract surgery?
Since cataract surgery is often outpatient and covered by Part B, your Medicare Supplement Plan G will cover all associated costs, with the exception of your annual Part B deductible and your premium payments for your Medigap plan.
How do you get covered for cataract surgery?
Fortunately, cataract surgery is covered by OHIP, as it's considered medically necessary to improve quality of life and prevent significant vision loss. OHIP also covers treatments for: Glaucoma. Diabetes.
What does Plan G not cover?
High deductible plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. However, high deductible F and G count your payment of the Medicare Part B deductible toward meeting the plan deductible. 2Plans K and L pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year once you meet the out-of-pocket yearly limit.
What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part G?
Medicare Plan G does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions. Medicare Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible or any service that Medicare does not cover. Medicare Plan G does not cover dental, vision, or prescriptions.
Does AARP Medicare Advantage pay for cataract surgery?
If 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 use an in-network provider. Ask your plan about its coverage details before you schedule surgery.
What does Medicare cover for cataract surgery in 2024?
You must first meet the annual deductible, which will be $240 in 2024, and pay 20% of the cost of cataract surgery. Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of the surgery and post-surgical corrective lenses. A Medigap plan will cover the remaining 20% cost you are responsible for paying.
Are premium cataract lenses worth it?
You can reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts
For many people, this reason alone is what convinces them that a premium IOL is the way to go. If you've worn glasses or contact lenses your entire life, choosing a premium IOL during cataract surgery can finally grant you visual freedom!
Is it better to be nearsighted or farsighted after cataract surgery?
If your daily lifestyle includes activities such as driving or watching TV, then farsightedness after surgery might be a great fit. You'll have clear distance vision for the things you do most, and close-up tasks can be easily tackled with a well-chosen pair of reading glasses.
Do you get free glasses after cataract surgery with Medicare?
Typically, Medicare does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, after cataract surgery Medicare will cover one standard pair of untinted prescription eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses. If it is medically necessary, Medicare may pay for customized eyeglasses or contact lenses.
How long does cataract surgery take?
How long does cataract surgery take? Cataract surgery takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the severity of the condition. You should also plan to spend up to 30 minutes following the surgery to recover from the effects of the sedative.
What is the average cost of a multifocal lens for cataracts?
Some multifocal lenses even correct intermediate vision. They can cost between $2,000 to $4,000 per eye and are often not covered by insurance plans. Accommodating IOLs: These IOLs are designed to mimic the eye's natural ability to focus at different distances, providing a more natural range of vision.
Why are people dropping Medicare Advantage plans?
Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.
What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
Why is a plan G better than an advantage plan?
FREEDOM 3: With a Medicare Supplement Plan G, no specialist referral is needed. One can go directly to see a specialist without a referral. With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, a referral is usually required before seeing a medical specialist. (With a Medicare Advantage PPO plan, a referral is not usually required.)
Is Medigap Plan G being phased out?
Medicare Plan G is not going away. There is a lot of confusion surrounding which Medigap plans are going away and which are still available. Rest assured that Plan G isn't going away. You can keep your plan.
How much does Medicare Part G cost per month?
Your monthly costs vary depending on your state, your provider, and the policy you choose. On average, most Medicare Plan G premiums will be between $100-$200 per month. Medigap policies may set prices in three ways: Community-rated.
What is the average cost of cataract surgery?
Average Cost of Cataract Surgery
In the United States, cataract surgery costs between $3,500 and $7,000 per eye, without insurance. Insurance—including Medicare—often reduces those overall expenses. The exact costs of your cataract surgeries will depend on your insurance.
Why is laser cataract surgery not covered by insurance?
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is not covered because insurance companies will not pay the additional expense of having surgery by laser. In addition, surgeons are not lawfully allowed to bill patients an upcharge for a laser cataract procedure, since insurance companies cover non-laser cataract surgery.
What are the red flags after cataract surgery?
Go to eye casualty or A&E if you have:
severe pain after surgery. swelling of the eyelids. increasing redness, pain and blurring of vision in the days or weeks after surgery. distorted vision, wavy lines, flashing light or floaters that were not there before.