Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers cataract surgery that removes the cloudy lens and implants a standard (conventional) intraocular lens, whether the surgery is done with traditional tools or laser-assisted technique. After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the surgery, the surgeon, and the facility. Part B also covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of contacts) after each cataract surgery that implants a lens. If you choose a premium lens that corrects astigmatism (toric) or reduces the need for glasses at multiple distances (multifocal), Medicare still pays its share for the surgery and the standard lens, but you pay the extra cost of the upgrade.
What Medicare covers for cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures Medicare pays for, and it is covered under Part B (Medical Insurance), not Part A. This is true even though it is a surgery, because cataract surgery is almost always done on an outpatient basis.
Medicare covers the procedure when it is performed in a hospital outpatient department, an ambulatory surgical center, or a doctor's office. Both the traditional surgical technique and laser-assisted technique are covered when a standard intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted.
- Removal of the cloudy lens and implant of a standard (conventional) intraocular lens
- Either traditional or laser-assisted surgical technique
- Outpatient settings: hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgical center, or doctor's office
- Surgery on both eyes (each eye is covered when medically necessary; eyes are typically done on separate dates)
- One pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each surgery that implants a lens
What you'll pay in 2026
For covered cataract surgery, you first pay the annual Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. After that, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and Medicare pays the other 80%.
In a hospital outpatient setting or ambulatory surgical center, the 20% applies to both the facility's charge and the doctor's charge. If the surgery is done in a doctor's office, you pay 20% for both the intraocular lens and the surgery to implant it. To keep your Part B coverage active, you also pay the monthly Part B premium, which is $202.90 for most people in 2026.
- Part B deductible: $283 per year (2026)
- Your share after the deductible: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount
- Part B monthly premium: $202.90 for most people (2026); higher earners pay more (IRMAA)
- You can compare prices at different facilities using Medicare's Procedure Price Lookup tool for the cataract procedure codes (66984 for standard removal with a lens, 66982 for complex cases)
The eyeglasses benefit after cataract surgery
Medicare normally does not pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses, and Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for prescribing glasses. Cataract surgery is the main exception to this rule.
After each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses. After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. If you have surgery on both eyes on different dates, you get this benefit after each surgery. You pay extra if you choose upgraded frames.
- Covered: one pair of glasses with standard frames OR one set of contacts after each IOL cataract surgery
- Your share: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible
- Not covered: routine eyeglasses, contacts, or routine eye exams unrelated to the surgery
- Tip: use a Medicare-enrolled supplier so the benefit is paid correctly
How Medigap and Medicare Advantage change your costs
If you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy can help pay the 20% coinsurance and other gaps, so your out-of-pocket cost for cataract surgery may be much lower. Exactly what is covered depends on which Medigap plan letter you have.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, including cataract surgery. However, your costs and rules can be different: plans may use specific networks, may require prior authorization, and may set their own copays or coinsurance. Many Advantage plans also include extra routine vision benefits that Original Medicare does not. Always check your plan's Evidence of Coverage and confirm the surgeon and facility are in network before scheduling.
- Medigap: can reduce or eliminate the 20% coinsurance under Original Medicare (coverage varies by plan letter)
- Medicare Advantage: covers cataract surgery, but networks, prior authorization, and cost-sharing vary by plan
- Prior authorization: not required under Original Medicare; many Advantage plans do require it — confirm with your plan
- Confirm details in your plan documents; benefits and costs vary — do not assume
Frequently asked questions
Is cataract surgery covered under Part A or Part B?
It is covered under Part B (Medical Insurance) because cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Part A (hospital insurance) generally does not apply unless you are formally admitted as an inpatient, which is rare for this procedure.
How much will I pay out of pocket with Medicare in 2026?
You first pay the Part B deductible of $283 for the year. After that, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the surgery, surgeon, and facility. A Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan can lower this amount. You can estimate facility costs with Medicare's Procedure Price Lookup tool.
Does Medicare cover laser-assisted cataract surgery?
Yes. Medicare covers cataract surgery whether it is done with the traditional surgical technique or with laser-assisted technique, as long as a standard intraocular lens is implanted. Note that choosing a premium lens upgrade is a separate cost you would pay yourself.
Will Medicare pay for a premium lens that corrects astigmatism?
No, not the upgrade cost. Medicare covers the surgery and a standard intraocular lens. If you choose a premium lens (such as a toric lens for astigmatism or a multifocal lens), Medicare still pays its share of the surgery and standard lens, but you pay the extra cost of the upgrade.
Does Medicare cover glasses after cataract surgery?
Yes. After each cataract surgery that implants a lens, Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible, plus any extra for upgraded frames. This is an exception to Medicare's usual rule of not covering glasses.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery on both eyes?
Yes. Each eye is covered when the surgery is medically necessary. The eyes are usually operated on during separate visits, and the eyeglasses benefit applies after each surgery.
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Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.