Does Cigna Healthcare Cover Cataract Surgery?
- Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover cataract surgery, as it’s covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Learn about the other vision benefits some Cigna Healthcare Medicare plans may offer, how much cataract surgery costs with Medicare and more.
Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans cover cataract surgery for qualified plan members. Cataract surgery is usually categorized as a “medically necessary” procedure and therefore is covered by most health insurance plans, including those offered by Cigna Healthcare.
In fact, if a cataract surgery would be covered by Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), it would be required to be covered by a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan, such as the Medicare plans offered by Cigna Healthcare.
When Do Cigna Healthcare Medicare Plans Pay for Cataract Surgery?
If you have a Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan, your plan will provide at least the same coverage as that of Medicare Part B. Those benefits include coverage of cataract surgery using traditional techniques along with a basic lens implant. If a more advanced technique or lens is used, your benefits may or may not apply.
Medicare Part B – and all Medicare Advantage plans including Cigna Healthcare Medicare plans – cover at least the following for cataract surgery:
- Removal of the cataract
- A basic lens implant
- One set of eyeglasses or contact lenses following the procedure
Depending on the Cigna Medicare Advantage plan you have, you may have to pay an annual deductible along with copayments or coinsurance for the remainder of the balance of the procedure beyond your deductible amount.
It’s worth noting that cataract surgery is covered by health insurance, but typically not by standalone vision insurance plans. Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
If a prescription drug is needed either before or after your cataract surgery, it may be covered by a Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug benefits or by a Cigna Healthcare Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Check your Cigna Healthcare coverage of cataract surgery by logging into your online Cigna Healthcare account or calling the phone number on your Plan ID card.
How is Cataract Surgery Performed?
Cataract surgery is generally performed by using a local anesthetic to numb the eye before a small incision is made. An ultrasound tool is used to break up the cataract before it is then removed with suction. An artificial lens is then put in its place.
You may have a temporary bandage or shield over your eye following the procedure and most people experience improved vision within just a few days.
How Can You Enroll in a Cigna Healthcare Plan that Covers Cataract Surgery?
Cigna Healthcare health insurance and Medicare Advantage plans have specific eligibility rules and enrollment periods, so it’s recommended to check your eligibility and find out when you may sign up for coverage.
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