Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services. Most Medicare Advantage plans also cover cataract surgery, though you need to select a provider and facility that are in network with your specific plan.

Original Medicare covers 80% of the cost of cataract surgery, and patients are responsible for paying the remaining 20% (either out-of-pocket or with supplemental insurance) after meeting their annual Part B deductible.

Medicare Advantage plans, however, may require a copay. Regardless, be sure to get a full rundown on your policy before booking any appointments. You can also use Medicare’s procedure price lookup tool to get an idea of potential costs.

What Is the Best Medicare Plan for Cataract Surgery?

Several Medicare Advantage plans cover all costs for cataract surgery, though you need to find a physician, hospital or surgery center that’s contracted with your specific MA plan. To keep costs down, you may also want to seek an MA plan with low copays that includes vision insurance.

Most physicians and hospitals are contracted with Original Medicare, though not all are contracted with Medicare Advantage. You also need to pay for 20% of your procedure’s total cost with Original Medicare.

You might consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to bolster your basic Part B coverage. Plan G, for example, covers all cataract surgery costs, save for your Part B deductible and Medigap premium payments.