Does Medicare Pay for Cataract Surgery? 2026 Costs and Lenses
Reviewed September 30, 2026. Yes, Medicare pays for cataract surgery. Medicare Part B covers surgery that implants a conventional intraocular lens (IOL), plus one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses after each surgery. With Original Medicare you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
Quick answer: Part B covers the pre-surgery eye exam, the procedure, a standard lens and post-surgery glasses. Premium lenses (such as multifocal or astigmatism-correcting upgrades) usually cost extra. Medicare Advantage plans must cover cataract surgery too, but they set their own copays and may require prior authorization or in-network surgeons.
What Medicare covers for cataract surgery
According to Medicare.gov, “Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses.” Coverage generally includes:
- Eye exams and tests used to diagnose cataracts and plan the surgery
- Removal of the cloudy natural lens and implanting a conventional IOL
- Surgeon, anesthesia and facility services in a hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgical center or doctor’s office
- Follow-up visits after surgery
- One pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each surgery that implants an IOL
Surgery for each eye is covered when it is medically necessary. Many people have the second eye done a few weeks after the first, following the surgeon’s recommendation.
How much does cataract surgery cost with Medicare in 2026?
| Cost | Original Medicare (2026) |
|---|---|
| Part B deductible | $283 per year |
| Surgery in a hospital outpatient department or surgical center | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the facility and 20% for the doctor, after the deductible |
| Surgery in a doctor’s office | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the lens and the surgery, after the deductible |
| Glasses or contacts after surgery | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible, from a supplier enrolled in Medicare |
| Part B premium | $202.90 per month (standard amount) |
Sources: Medicare.gov cataract surgery and CMS 2026 Part B premium and deductible. Your exact bill depends on the facility, whether the doctor accepts assignment and any other coverage you have. You can see the 2026 deductible explained in Medicare Part B deductible: 2026 amount.
Will a Medigap policy pay the rest?
Most Medigap plans pay some or all of the 20% Part B coinsurance, so a member with Plan G typically pays only the Part B deductible for covered cataract care. See what Medigap plans cover.
Which lenses does Medicare cover?
Medicare pays for a conventional (monofocal) IOL. If you and your surgeon choose a premium lens, such as a toric lens to correct astigmatism or a multifocal lens to reduce the need for reading glasses, you generally pay the extra cost of the upgrade and any related services beyond what Medicare approves. Ask for a written estimate and sign any notice the practice gives you before surgery so you know which charges are yours.
Does Medicare pay for glasses after cataract surgery?
Yes, this is one of the few times Original Medicare covers eyewear. Part B covers “one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of contact lenses) after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens.” Designer frames and add-ons cost extra. Routine eye exams and glasses at other times are not covered by Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision benefits, and our guide to dental, vision and hearing insurance covers other options.
Cataract surgery with Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, including cataract surgery, but they can charge different copays and coinsurance. Before scheduling:
- Confirm the surgeon and surgical center are in your plan’s network. HMO and PPO network rules differ; see HMO vs. PPO.
- Ask whether the plan requires prior authorization or a referral.
- Check the outpatient surgery copay and the eyewear benefit in your Summary of Benefits.
- Remember your plan’s yearly out-of-pocket maximum caps what you pay for covered services.
If you’re comparing plans for 2027, add cataract-related costs to our Medicare plan comparison worksheet.
How to qualify for Medicare coverage of cataract surgery
- Your eye doctor documents that the cataract affects your vision and daily activities and that surgery is medically necessary.
- The surgeon and facility accept Medicare (or are in your Medicare Advantage network).
- You have Part B (or a Medicare Advantage plan) at the time of surgery.
Tips to lower your costs
- Ask the surgeon’s office whether they accept Medicare assignment.
- Compare the cost of a hospital outpatient department with an ambulatory surgical center.
- Get a written quote for any premium lens upgrade before the day of surgery.
- Use a Medicare-enrolled supplier for your post-surgery glasses.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice after each claim. See understanding your first Medicare bill if you’re new to Medicare billing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery?
Yes. Part B covers medically necessary cataract surgery with a conventional intraocular lens. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible in 2026.
How much does cataract surgery cost with Medicare?
Your share is the Part B deductible plus 20% coinsurance for the surgeon and the facility, unless a Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage plan changes what you pay. Premium lens upgrades cost extra.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery for both eyes?
Yes, when surgery is medically necessary for each eye. Each surgery is billed separately, and you can get covered eyewear after each surgery that implants an IOL.
Does Medicare cover laser cataract surgery?
Medicare covers the cataract surgery itself. If a surgeon recommends laser-assisted steps mainly to support a premium lens, you may be charged extra for them. Ask for an itemized estimate.
Are eye exams before cataract surgery covered?
Yes. Exams and tests to diagnose cataracts and plan surgery are covered under Part B, with the usual deductible and 20% coinsurance.
This article is general information, not medical or individual insurance advice. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.