Key takeaways
- Medicare does not cover LASIK surgery as it is considered an elective procedure, since people can opt for glasses or contact lenses instead of having surgery.
- Original Medicare (parts A and B) does not cover LASIK surgery. Some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage and additional vision benefits, such as routine eye care.
- Medicare only covers eye surgery when a doctor declares it medically necessary, such as for conditions like diabetes or cataracts.
LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that may improve a person’s vision if they are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
Medicare considers this surgery an elective procedure and does not cover the cost under Original Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover LASIK eye surgery.
Glossary of Medicare terms
- Out-of-pocket cost: This is the amount a person must pay for care when Medicare does not pay the total amount or offer coverage. Costs can include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and premiums.
- Premium: This is the amount of money someone pays each month for Medicare coverage.
- Deductible: This is an annual amount a person must spend out of pocket within a certain period before Medicare starts to fund their treatments.
- Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs that a person must self-fund. For Medicare Part B, coinsurance is 20%.
- Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount a person with insurance pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.
Medicare covers eye surgery only when a doctor declares it medically necessary. Medicare considers LASIK an elective surgery because most people can use glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. This means that Original Medicare (parts A and B) does not cover this procedure.
Additionally, Original Medicare does not cover routine eye care, although coverage may be available for medically necessary eye exams or surgery related to another medical condition.
For example, Medicare may cover certain eye care services related to diabetes or glucose. There may also be coverage when a doctor recommends cataract surgery.
Learn more about Original Medicare.
A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan must provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans also offer additional benefits, including routine vision care, such as:
- annual eye examinations
- corrective glasses
- contact lenses
However, Medicare Advantage plans do not always cover LASIK surgery. Individuals may need to contact their plan provider to determine the exact coverage details.
Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans.
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure
Most people will visit an ophthalmologist, a specialist eye doctor who can examine, diagnose, and treat the eye. Generally, an ophthalmologist will also perform laser surgery, which they will do on an outpatient basis.
The
- possible vision loss or severe visual symptoms
- severe dry eye syndrome
- diminished results over time
Read more about LASIK surgery.
LASIK surgery costs depend on several factors, including where a person has the surgery, the surgeon’s experience, and the technology they use for the procedure.
According to LASIK.com, the average cost in the United States in 2024 was $1,500 to $5,000 per eye.
However, if a person needs a medically necessary procedure, such as cataract surgery, Medicare Part B would cover the cost when it is an outpatient procedure. Medicare Advantage plans also typically provide coverage for cataract surgery.
Although Medicare does not generally cover eyeglasses and contact lenses, it does provide coverage for one set following cataract surgery. The beneficiary must pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
If an individual requires a more advanced lens implant following surgery, they may have to cover some associated costs.
A person considering LASIK surgery may receive help with expenses, including pricing and incentives from private companies, coverage from a person’s employment health plan, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
- Special pricing and incentives: These incentives may include no-interest financing, limited-time special prices, or discounts for pairs or groups of people that clinics offer.
- Financing: Some finance companies specialize in elective surgical procedures, including LASIK. These companies offer fixed rates and long-term payment plans. Clinics providing LASIK surgery may give out information about financing plans.
- Employer discounts: An employer may arrange employee discounts for LASIK surgery. Some large employers may have subsidized health plans that will cover some or all of LASIK’s cost.
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs): These plans are arranged with a person’s employer, with deductions from paychecks, to help pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The FSA may cover the cost of LASIK surgery.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Original Medicare does not cover the cost of LASIK or other elective surgeries. However, it covers costs associated with cataract surgery or for treating an eye condition such as glaucoma.
Typically, Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits above that of original Medicare, such as vision and dental care, although they may not cover LASIK.
If a person chooses to get LASIK surgery and does not have coverage from a Medicare Advantage plan, they may find private financing options or discounts.