Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes: Medicare Part B may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live.
For Medicare Part B-covered cataract surgery in a hospital outpatient setting or ambulatory surgical center, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to both the facility and the surgeon after the $283 Part B deductible in 2026.
Medicare Part B also covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract surgery with conventional intraocular lenses | Covered by Part B, depending on where you live | Medicare.gov |
| Surgery in a hospital outpatient setting or surgical center | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to the facility and to the surgeon, after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov |
| Surgery in a doctor's office | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the lens and the surgery to implant it, after the Part B deductible | Medicare.gov |
| Glasses or contacts after surgery | One pair of glasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each surgery that implants a lens | Medicare.gov |
| Upgraded frames | You pay the additional cost | Medicare.gov |
| Other eyeglasses and contact lenses | Usually not covered: you pay all costs | Medicare.gov |
What does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?
Medicare Part B may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens from your eye and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear artificial lens. Ask your doctor before surgery what Medicare will cover and what you'll pay.
What do I pay for cataract surgery with Medicare?
What you pay depends on where you have the surgery, and in each case you first meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026):
- In a hospital outpatient setting or an ambulatory surgical center, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to both the facility and the doctor who performs your surgery.
- In a doctor's office, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for both the intraocular lens and the surgery to implant it.
- The exact amount also depends on other insurance you have, how much your doctor charges, whether your doctor accepts assignment, and the type of facility.
Does Medicare pay for glasses after cataract surgery?
Yes. Medicare 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. After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for those corrective lenses, and you pay any additional cost for upgraded frames.
Medicare pays for the glasses or contact lenses only if they come from a supplier that participates in Medicare, whether you or your provider submits the claim. See Does Medicare cover glasses and eye exams? for eyeglass coverage in general.
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change cataract surgery costs?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, and some offer extra benefits like vision; rules and costs vary by plan, and a plan may require approval (prior authorization) before it covers certain services. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy helps pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, like the 20% coinsurance and deductibles.
What eye care doesn't Medicare cover?
Original Medicare doesn't usually cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, apart from the pair after cataract surgery, so you pay all costs for them. Original Medicare also doesn't cover routine eye exams. See Does Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing? for more on vision coverage.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Does Medicare cover glasses after cataract surgery?
Does Medicare pay for upgraded frames after cataract surgery?
Does it matter where I have cataract surgery?
Do I have to use a certain supplier for glasses after cataract surgery?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Cataract surgery
- Medicare.gov: Eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Medicare.gov: Medigap basics
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.