Planning for cataract surgery starts with knowing the costs and insurance details.
What Influences the Cost of Cataract Surgery?
Multiple variables influence cataract surgery pricing, including:
- Surgeon Fees: Advanced methods and expertise may result in higher surgeon fees.
- Surgery Venue Fees: Expenses differ depending on the type of facility where the surgery is conducted.
- Geographic Location: Costs are typically higher in cities than in less populated areas.
- Lens Type Selection: Premium lenses that correct vision issues, such as astigmatism, usually cost more than standard options.
On average, cataract surgery in the U.S. costs between $3,000 and $5,000 per eye without insurance.
Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?
Patients often wonder about insurance coverage for cataract surgery. Fortunately, Medicare and most insurance policies include coverage for medically required cataract surgery.
- Medicare: Includes basic surgery and lenses, though advanced features may require extra payment.
- Private Plan Coverage: Your private plan may cover the surgery but check for deductibles or co-pays.
Check with your provider to confirm what is covered and whether pre-authorization is needed.
Financing Options
When out-of-pocket expenses are a concern, these options might help:
- Payment Plans: Many clinics allow you to pay in installments, spreading out the cost.
- Using HSAs: Pre-tax savings in HSAs can help cover the cost of cataract surgery.
- Special Pricing Offers: Some providers offer discounts for paying upfront or scheduling multiple procedures.
- Special Medical Loans: These cards provide financing options specifically for medical expenses.
Discuss these possibilities with your surgeon’s office to find the best fit for your budget.
