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How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

Medicaid users may qualify for cataract surgery coverage, but the amount will vary from state to state. That's because vision care is considered an optional benefit, so state's can determine how much, if any, coverage to provide.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine lists the vision benefits offered by each state's Medicaid program.

Funds available in health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can help cover any out-of-pocket expenses, including a more expensive lens, according to both Dr. Olsen and Dr. Shakir. Certain charitable organizations, such as Mission Cataract USA and Operation Sight, also help provide free or low-cost surgery to those who can't otherwise afford it.

Before settling on a surgeon or facility, however, research how other patients rate their experiences, and use word of mouth to find an excellent eye surgeon in your area, advises Dr. Olsen. What's more, be aware of any extra costs that could come with follow-up visits and who you'll see during those visits, he recommends. Some ophthalmologists comanage their surgery patients with an optometrist at a different location.

"All of the costs associated with surgery and the care afterward should be very transparent," says Dr. Shakir. "Make sure you know ahead of time anything you're expected to [pay] out of pocket."

Another consideration: "A more expensive lens or technology may cost more up front but allow you to save money by not having to purchase eyeglasses or contacts," says Dr. Shakir. Your doctor will talk through all available options with you and their pros and cons to help you make the best decision about which IOL option will provide you with the range of vision you desire.

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Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery Costs In 2023?

Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services. Most Medicare Advantage plans also cover cataract surgery, though you need to select a provider and facility that are in network with your specific plan.

Original Medicare covers 80% of the cost of cataract surgery, and patients are responsible for paying the remaining 20% (either out-of-pocket or with supplemental insurance) after meeting their yearly Part B deductible.

Medicare Advantage plans, however, may require a copay. Regardless, be sure to get a full rundown on your policy before booking any appointments. You can also use Medicare's procedure price lookup tool to get an idea of potential costs.

What Is the Best Medicare Plan for Cataract Surgery?

Several Medicare Advantage plans cover all costs for cataract surgery, though you need to find a physician, hospital or surgery center that's contracted with your specific MA plan. To keep costs down, you may also want to seek an MA plan with low copays that includes vision insurance.

Most physicians and hospitals are contracted with Original Medicare, though not all are contracted with Medicare Advantage. You also need to pay for 20% of your procedure's total cost with Original Medicare.

You might consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to bolster your basic Part B coverage. Plan G, for example, covers all cataract surgery costs, save for your Part B deductible and Medigap premium payments.

Cataract Surgery Pioneer Mark Mandel, MD, Now Using The New Light Adjustable Lens In The Bay Area

CASTRO VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 26, 2023 / The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the first and only intraocular lens (IOL) that can be adjusted for improved vision even after cataract surgery. As a longtime premium laser cataract surgeon, Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Ophthalmic Medical Associates, has always been a pioneer in this field. He is pleased to be at the forefront of this exciting development in IOLs.

Mark Mandel MD - Best Bay Area OphthalmologistThe Doctor's Eye Doctor

For years, premium IOLs have been used in cataract surgery to replace natural lenses that have become clouded with cataracts. These IOLs have a set power that can correct for certain refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and allow patients to reduce their dependence on prescription eyewear. Until LALs, however, no premium lens could be adjusted after being inserted into the eye. LALs have light-sensitive molecules that can be manipulated with light. This enables Dr. Mandel to alter the shape and power of the LAL for improved vision.

Following surgery, Dr. Mandel can adjust the LALs multiple times (sometimes only once is necessary) until finding the crispest vision possible for the patient. This allows the patient to stop wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses in most situations (though reading glasses may still be required for small print).

By the age of 80, over half of all Americans have developed cataracts. Although cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment, vision can be restored with a safe and effective cataract surgical procedure. Dr. Mandel is excited to offer even better care to his cataract patients thanks to the advent of LALs, well ahead of fellow ophthalmologists in Northern California.

More About Mark Mandel, MD

Mark Mandel, MD, is a Bay Area premium cataract, LASIK and corneal specialist with offices in San Jose, Hayward, Castro Valley and Concord. He is one of the most experienced cataract surgeons in the state of California. After earning degrees at Oxford University and the UCLA School of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He is recognized annually as a "TOP DOCTOR" by Castle Connolly and is known among his peers as "the doctor's doctor" because so many of his patients are doctors themselves.

To schedule a consultation for cataract surgery with or without LALs, please contact Dr. Mandel by calling 877-210-2020, extension 3, or by sending an email to mmandel@optimaeye.Com.

Contact Information

Helen ColeRefractive Surgery Coordinatorhcole@optimaeye.Com

SOURCE: Optima Ophthalmic Medical Associates

View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/751348/Cataract-Surgery-Pioneer-Mark-Mandel-MD-Now-Using-the-New-Light-Adjustable-Lens-in-the-Bay-Area

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