When we age, some of our bodily functions start to slow or break down. That includes the organ we rely on the most for sight, brain focus, and storage/transference of information: the eyes. Around the age of 40, the proteins weaken and become cloudy in the eye’s natural lens. By age 65, one in five people has developed cataracts. By age 75, it’s one in two.
Sometimes, impaired vision due to cataracts can be improved with a stronger eyeglass prescription. Other times, surgery is the only option to regain clear vision.
**Please note that the suggestions provided in this blog are for general informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific insurance plan and cataract needs. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
Common symptoms include:
Cataracts are not only a result of aging—they can also form from a variety of different causes:
One of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, cataract surgery changes the lives of about 2 million people annually. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens during surgery.
Eye doctors (ophthalmologists) perform cataract surgeries on an outpatient basis, which means overnight hospital stays are not required. It is a quick, effective, and safe procedure. However, is it covered by Medicare? Yes! But it depends.
Medicare was formed in 1965 to act as a federal health insurance system for people 65 years or older to remediate specific disabilities. It covers the costs of various medical services like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. However, Original Medicare coverage depends on multiple factors. Popularly, Medicare Part B approves Medicare coverage for cataract surgery.
Medicare Part B offers medically necessary services to treat and diagnose conditions that meet standard medical practices and preventative services for illnesses (like the flu) in the early stages of development. This includes:
Since cataract surgery is a medically necessary and outpatient procedure, Medicare will cover the cost of the surgery and the cost of the intraocular lens (IOL) implanted during the operation. Coverage, however, does not include additional unnecessary fees or upgraded lens options that eliminate your need for glasses following the surgery. Likewise, coverage does not mean the surgery comes to you 100% free—you may need to pay the 20% coinsurance amount and the Part B deductible. But there are other plans you can choose to fill in those “gaps.”
Private companies sell Medigap to pay for the costs not covered by Original Medicare. These include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies even cover services that Original Medicare does not allow, like medical care during travel outside the U.S. However, Medigap still doesn’t cover everything, like long-term care, vision or dental services, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and private-duty nursing. Explore the benefits on the official Medicare website here.
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is an all-in-one Medicare alternative to Original Medicare. Private companies sell this plan and bundle Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (doctor and outpatient services), and sometimes Part D (prescription drug coverage) all into one plan. See if this plan is right for you on the official Medicare website here.
Medicare plans typically have an enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 on the Medicare website. During those dates, you can choose which program works best for you. If you know you will need cataract surgery in the future, analyze your options for the best coverage. Even if a plan has a higher monthly cost, it may be worth more to you in the long run.
When signing up for Medigap, the best time to enroll is during your six-month enrollment period, which begins after signing up for Original Medicare.
At Griffey Eye Care and Laser Center, we receive many questions regarding cataract surgery. With over 50 years of combined experience, our patients can expect expert, world-class service close to home in any of our prime Chesapeake locations. Here are some of the most common questions regarding Medicare coverage for cataract surgery:
Q: What type of lens does Medicare cover for cataract surgery?
A: Cataract surgery covers a conventional intraocular lens (IOL), a small, clear disc that replaces the damaged eye lens. In our practice, this is called Basic Vision, which will require the use of glasses after surgery.
Q: Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery with astigmatism?
A: Medicare does not cover a cataract surgical procedure to correct astigmatism because it is not medically necessary. Alternatively, you can choose more advanced IOLs, like multifocal lenses or toric lenses, which improve vision at multiple distances with reduced astigmatism and other benefits. When selecting an upgraded lens, you will need to pay the difference out of pocket.
Q: Does Medicare pay for glasses after cataract surgery?
A: Yes, Medicare covers one pair of glasses with standard frames or contact lenses prescribed by your Medicare-approved doctor after cataract surgery.
Don’t let cataracts compromise your quality of life. At Griffey Eye Care, we assist in restoring your clear vision. Book an appointment or take our online assessment to determine if you are experiencing the symptoms of cataracts.
When we age, some of our bodily functions start to slow or break down. That includes the organ we rely on the most for sight, brain focus, and storage/transference of information: the eyes. Around the age of 40, the proteins weaken and become cloudy in the eye’s natural lens. By age 65, one in five […]
I recently went to my family doctor for pain I’d been having in my eye that was moving down my neck. I’d been waiting to have an MRI scheduled, and it was taking forever. I wanted to get a second opinion about what course of action should be taken. My husband and daughter are both patients at this practice and have always received stellar treatment. Dr. Griffey took very good care of me and went the extra step to send a letter to my family doctor while I was still there to concur with what they had said and also confirm that he would suggest an MRI as well. I was very impressed with him and his patient care. And, I appreciate the staff (particularly Tara and Benita) in scheduling me in as soon as possible. I would highly recommend this practice! Thank you all again for your help.
I was referred to Dr. Griffey by several people. I was told he was an excellent ophthalmologist, and they were right. This was my first time meeting him and he made me feel so safe, comfortable and confident that he was providing me with the best and most knowledgeable treatment I could ask for. As I sat in the chair, I observed him interact with a baby he kissed on the forehead, it was so special to see him do that because it showed a gentle side of him, and his interaction with his assistants was nice, professional and straight to the point of what he needed in order to help his patient, I remember him saying to one of them that he was not going to let me leave until he reviewed a report from another doctor about my condition and that really made me feel special because it showed his concern. I don’t think I could have asked for a better doctor. Thank you Dr. Griffey for being the best and hats off to your father and grandfather.
I had a wonderful first appointment. The staff is attentive and the techs and doctors are knowledgeable and take their time really getting to know their patients. So happy to have found them.
I travel from Atlanta, Georgia to see Dr. Griffey, MD, and board certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Griffey has performed two surgeries on me and I would trust him to do anything he deems necessary. The staff is fantastic and I would recommend Dr. Griffey, to all that needed to see a competent Ophthalmologist!!!
I want to thank everyone at Chesapeake Eye Care for their care on a recent visit. I had an accident involving my eye and even though they were booked, the receptionist worked me in that day. The technician and Dr. Fox saw me promptly and performed a thorough exam. I was very pleased with both of them and appreciated their kindness and professionalism.
My dad had cataract surgery a couple years ago. I was a little nervous for him, he’d been resisting getting surgery for so long. However, the staff and Dr. Griffey were wonderful to him and everything went very smoothly. He had a great experience, and I am thankful to them for making him so comfortable.
The best thing I ever did was get LASIK surgery; it is unbelievable how I can see 20/20. When I get in bed at night I still think … wait….no, I don’t have to take my contacts out and it’s been 3 months. It was wonderful in Mexico also with not having to worry about contacts and all the solutions to bring with me. I had an amazing experience with my LASIK surgery with Dr. Paul Griffey and his staff! I would definitely recommend him to friends and family!!!
I sent my mom to Dr. Griffey for a 2nd opinion on her eyes. Years later, I am still satisfied with the care he has provided. She had an appointment today and Dr. Griffey called me personally to discuss my concerns. WOW!!!!! GREAT PROVIDER!!!!!! I also referred my dad to him after a bad cataract surgery elsewhere. Dr Griffey did his 2nd eye without complications. THANK YOU for taking care of my parents! I have 30+ years in the business as a licensed optician and have worked with many doctors, I would recommend Dr. Griffey to any patient for care!!!!!!!!!!
I have been a patient of Dr. Griffey, since 2012. I’m born, raised, formal education, retired Law Enforcement, City of Virginia Beach, VA. After moving to Atlanta, I felt I could not find the care I needed, so I travel back and forth to receive my care. I will not allow anyone to see me. Well worth the trip, and will continue to do so!
Thank you for being The Best…
We both underwent cataract surgery, in both eyes. Barbara’s was in September of 2018. Mine was in December 2018. We both had excellent experiences, from her first visit, to my last. Dr. Griffey, as well as everyone on his staff, (that we came in contact with), were prompt and very professional. Yet, at the same time they were relaxed and very friendly. We were very impressed that everyone, asked, if we had any questions.
And, we can both see 20/20 again!!.
There was an general atmosphere of confidence and calmness throughout his practice, as well as within the Chesapeake Surgical Center. That made us both feel very comfortable, and well cared for. We have never before experienced such a well run practice. We have, (and will continue to), highly recommend Dr. Griffey to anyone who needs eye care.
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