What types of insurance policies cover cataract surgery?

Since cataracts are common and cause serious vision loss, most health insurance policies (most vision insurance won’t actually help here) cover surgery to remove them and implant a monofocal lens. There are as many cataract surgeries done each year as there are people in New Mexico: two million!! In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most common operations covered under Medicare Part B. Check with your insurer to find out the extent of your cataract surgery coverage.

Keep in mind that if you choose to have a multifocal or astigmatism-correcting lens implanted, your insurer may not cover all the costs. If you have a flexible spending account with your employer, though, you can use that money for the more expensive lens.

 

Cataract treatment may be covered under many different types of managed care policies such as your Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Point of Service (POS) managed care plan, or Fee-For-Services (FFS) plan. Review your medical plan or contact your insurance provider’s customer service for information on what is covered.