Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Only in certain cases. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live.
Only in certain cases: Part B
Source: Medicare.gov, Cataract surgery, checked October 23, 2026.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Only in certain cases
- Which part
- Part B
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Medicare.gov page
- Cataract surgery
Description
Cataract surgery removes a cloudy natural lens from your eye and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear artificial lens.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
Medicare doesn’t usually cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of contact lenses) after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
- For covered cataract surgery in a hospital outpatient setting or ambulatory surgical center: After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to both the facility and the doctor who performs your surgery.
- For covered cataract surgery you get in a doctor’s office: After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for both the intraocular lens and the surgery to implant it.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 80.10: Phaco-Emulsification Procedure - Cataract Extraction
Version 1, effective January 1, 1966
- NCD 80.12: Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Version 1, effective May 19, 1997
- NCD 10.1: Use of Visual Tests Prior to and General Anesthesia during Cataract Surgery
Version 1, effective August 31, 1992
An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.
Related pages
- Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
No
- Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams?
No
- Does Medicare Cover Glasses?
No
- Does Medicare Cover Glaucoma Screening?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Hearing Tests?
Yes
- Medicare Part B deductible 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket max 2027
- Dual eligible: Medicare and Medicaid together
- 2027 Medicare plans by county
- Everything Medicare covers, A to Z
Questions
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Only in certain cases. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live.
Which part of Medicare covers Cataract Surgery?
Medicare.gov lists Cataract surgery under Part B.
Is there a national coverage determination for Cataract Surgery?
Yes. CMS NCD 80.10, Phaco-Emulsification Procedure - Cataract Extraction, version 1, effective 1966-01-01.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Cataract Surgery?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Only in certain cases. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover cataract surgery that implants conventional intraocular lenses, depending on where you live.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi