What Medicare covers
Medicare.gov says Part B may cover cataract surgery that implants a conventional intraocular lens (IOL). The surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one. Coverage includes the surgery, the facility and the lens, plus the related visits your doctor bills to Medicare.
Eyeglasses are usually not covered by Medicare, with one exception: after each cataract surgery that implants an IOL, Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses, from a supplier enrolled in Medicare.
What you pay
| Where the surgery is done | Your share after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) |
|---|---|
| Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center | 20% of the approved amount to the facility and 20% to the surgeon |
| Doctor's office | 20% of the approved amount for the lens and the surgery |
A Medigap policy pays part or all of that coinsurance. Your costs also depend on whether your doctor accepts assignment.
Upgraded lenses
Many surgeons offer lenses that correct astigmatism or reduce the need for reading glasses. Medicare covers the conventional-lens surgery; if you choose an upgraded lens, you pay the difference, and Medigap doesn't cover that extra amount. Before you schedule, ask the surgeon's office for:
- A written estimate of the upgrade cost for each eye.
- What Medicare will pay and what you'll owe either way.
- Whether any extra testing for the upgraded lens is billed to you.
Medicare Advantage in Oregon
Medicare Advantage plans must cover cataract surgery, but they may require you to use network surgeons and surgery centers and may need prior authorization. Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. Plan choices differ a lot by county in Oregon: see your county, or you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover vision in Oregon?
Eye exams, glasses and eye disease.
Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies in Oregon?
Including diabetic eye exams.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Oregon?
Another common gap.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Cataract surgery
- Medicare.gov — Eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Medicare.gov — Eye exams (routine)
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
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- Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for in-home caregivers in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mammograms in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or spend winters outside Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover medical marijuana in Oregon?
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- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors in Oregon?
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- Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover psilocybin therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover transportation to medical appointments in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover vision care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for a premium or multifocal lens?
Medicare pays toward cataract surgery with a conventional lens. If you choose an upgraded lens, such as one that corrects astigmatism or reduces the need for reading glasses, you pay the extra cost. Ask for the amount in writing before surgery.
Where do I get my glasses after cataract surgery?
From a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Part B covers one pair of glasses with standard frames, or one set of contacts, after each surgery that implants a lens. Upgraded frames cost extra.
Does Medicare cover routine eye exams for glasses?
No. Original Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts. It does cover exams to diagnose and treat eye disease, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
