Does Medicare advantage cover cataract surgery?

Answer 1

every Medicare advantage plan is different, but they must cover what original Medicare would cover. Cataract surgery with an intraocular implant is very common and Medicare covers it regularly.

Answer 2

Yes, it does (with a few caveats). Because cataract surgery is performed by an eye surgeon, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the surgery, including a standard lens implant. A few clarifications, however, are necessary:

1) The cataract must be considered "visually significant" resulting in "visual difficulty with activities of daily living." Certain Medicare contractors may even have minimum visual acuity requirements that must be met before they will cover the procedure. In other words, just because someone has a cataract does not mean that Medicare will cover cataract surgery. Only an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) can determine if the cataract is "ready" for surgery.

2) Some of the tests recommended by the surgeon prior to surgery may not be covered by Medicare. If this is the case, a form called an ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice) will need to be signed prior to testing and the surgeon may ask for payment up front for these tests (usually no more than a few hundred dollars - often less).

3) Only "standard" intraocular lenses are covered by Medicare. These lenses do not affect the need to wear glasses. In other words, if someone chooses the standard lens covered by Medicare, that person should expect to wear bifocals after surgery. Advanced lens technologies, such as the "Toric" and "Multifocal" lenses are not covered by Medicare or the "secondary" insurance.

Answer 3

probably not- home health care is a covered benefit under Medicare part A, but you must have a need for either physical or speech therapy, or skilled nursing services. Cataract surgery usually does not result in the need for any of these services. If your only need would be a home health aide to come in and help you cook/clean, etc, then no, Medicare would not pay for that.

Answer 4

Is cataract surgery covers by Medicaid