Cataract Surgery – The Cost

When you are faced with cataract surgery, one of the many questions that will cross your mind is whether or not you can afford the procedure. While most cataract surgeries are covered by Medicare or private insurance, some are not. The average cataract surgery costs approximately $3,400 per eye. You will have to determine whether you can afford to pay for the surgery out of pocket or with the help of your insurance provider.

What affects the cost of cataract surgery?

There are several variables that affect the cost of cataract surgery. These include:

1. The type of intraocular lens (IOL) being used
2. The type of preoperative testing to be carried out i.e. basic or inclusive of refractive
3. The length of care following the operation
4. The geographic location where the operation will take place

Sharing the cost with private insurance

If you have private health insurance, it pays to take a closer look at your insurance policy. In many cases, comprehensive insurance will provide partial coverage for cataracts surgery. Your insurance provider may provide coverage for part if not all of the facility fee, the cost of purchasing monofocal lens implants, the surgeon’s fee as well as follow up care.

The deductible varies from one insurance plan to another. You may also be required to pay a percentage for each expense considered allowable by the insurance company or they may choose to reimburse you for your expenses. It is important to consult with your insurance provider before undertaking the surgery.

Medicare

If you’re on Medicare, you may be wondering if the insurance plan will cover the cost of the surgery. In many cases, cataract surgery is performed on people who are aged 65 and over. Medicare covers the surgery to remove the cataracts. However, the cover does not extend to expenses that are not directly related to cataracts.

For example, if you had a condition that is not covered under Medicare before the development of the cataracts, you may choose to have the condition treated during the surgery. However, Medicare May not cover the costs for the additional treatment. In that case, the surgeon may bill separately for the removal of the cataracts.

Cataract removal surgery is covered under Medicare Part B. This covers the fees for the surgeon and the facility. However, the amounts must have been approved by Medicare. You will be responsible for 20% of the cost of the entire procedure plus the deductible.

It is important to take a closer look at what is covered by Medicare to ensure that you are able to afford the procedure. 

Contact an eye care specialist today to schedule an appointment.