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Say nir Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery? Dear Savvy Senior, How does Medicare cover cataract surgery? My eye doctor recently told me I’ve developed cataracts and should consider making plans for surgery in the next year or so. Almost 67 Dear Almost, Like gray hair and wrinkles, cataracts are an inevitable part of the aging process. Eventually, everyone (usually in their 60s) will develop cataracts, a condition that causes cloudy or blurry vision. The only way to correct this is through cataract surgery. Fortunately, Medicare does cover medically necessary cataract surgery, which includes removing the cataract and implanting a standard intraocular lens (IOL). This is a small, lightweight, clear disk that replaces the focusing power of the eye’s natural crystalline lens to restore clear vision. This procedure is performed using traditional surgical techniques or lasers. This coverage can be a substantial savings, since cataract surgery often costs about $1,800 to $2,800 per eye. Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, covered under Medicare Part B. Once you pay the annual Part B deductible, which is $240 in 2024, you’re responsible for the Part B coinsurance. That means you’ll pay 20 percent of the cost for covered services yourself. If you have a Medicare supplemental policy, also known as Medigap, you’ll have full or partial coverage for the 20 percent Part B coinsurance. If you happen to be enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan, rather than original Medicare, you’ll also have coverage for cataract surgery. However, you may have to pay diff erent deductibles or copayments and need to use an in-network provider. You’ll need to call your plan to fi nd out its coverage details before you schedule surgery. What’s Not Covered Be aware that Medicare only covers cataract surgery with standard (monofocal) intraocular lenses, which improves vision at just one distance so you may still need glasses for close-up vision. Medicare will not cover premium (multifocal) intraocular lenses that can correct vision far away, up close and in between, so you can go glasses-free after surgery. Premium interocular lenses are expensive, costing approximately $1,500 to $4,000 per eye, which you would be responsible for if you choose to upgrade. Talk with your doctor about your options and costs before your surgery. Are Eyeglasses Covered? Even though Medicare usually doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, it will pay 80 percent for one set of corrective glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. Medicare, however, limits its coverage to standard eyeglass frames and lenses. If you want to get deluxe frames, progressive or tinted lenses or scratch-resistant coating for glasses, you’ll need to pay those costs yourself. Medicare also requires that you purchase the glasses or contacts from a Medicare-approved supplier. Also, if you have any post-surgery complications or problems that are deemed medically necessary to address by a doctor, Medicare covers those expenses too. Any drops, antibiotics or other medication prescribed after your surgery would be covered by Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 23, 2024 BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 It is essential that they have comprehensive information about what’s in their protective gear so that they can make informed choices that are best for them. This bill is an important part of our eff orts to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our fi refi ghters in Massachusetts.” “Our fi refi ghters are among the most hardworking, selfl ess people in Massachusetts, operating under the most dangerous of conditions while risking their own lives to save others,” said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio who was an original sponsor of the measure. “For their dedication to our communities, we must do all we can to provide them with the supports they need to do this invaluable work.” “It is both joyous and a relief to fi nally witness the signing of this important legislation,” said Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro) who originally fi led the bill in 2019. “Despite improvements in cancer care, our fi refi ghters are still becoming sick and dying from occupational cancers at a rate more than twice the general population.” “This is great news,” said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG’s Legislative Director. “Firefi ghters put their lives on the line to protect us in an emergency, and we must make sure the gear they wear will protect them.” VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS (H 4862) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would designate September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The day would be in recognition and in honor of fallen service members and veterans and their families; to acknowledge that suicide among service members and veterans is an epidemic; to foster awareness of suicide among service members and veterans; and to call for suicide prevention measures for service members and veterans. “We brought forward this veteran suicide remembrance Page 19 and awareness bill in direct response to the tragedies that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and in order to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said co-sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “[This bill] is an important step in off ering support to both our active service members and veterans.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “Massachusetts is the best state to live in, due in large part to its strong health care system and high-quality education. Massachusetts has the lowest premature death rate in the country and the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health. It also has the highest share of residents with health insurance coverage, at 97.3 percent. The Bay State also ranks fi rst for the quality of its school systems; third for its property crime rate; and third in access to public transportation.” ---From Wallet Hub’s ranking of the top states in which to live. “We are proud to see Massachusetts recognized as the best state to live in the country. Massachusetts’ greatest strength is our people. We are home to the best schools, the best healthcare and the most innovative businesses - but this isn’t the time to rest on our laurels. Our administration is dedicated to building on this momentum by continuing to invest in our communities, make Massachusetts more affordable and ensure that we remain the best place to live for future generations.” ---Gov. Healey. “The governor is very lucky that Massachusetts has such excellent universities and hospitals, because our education and healthcare edge is almost entirely what brought us to the top spot. On the issues she actually has control over, namely aff ordability, our state scored as one of the worst. We may have excellent health care and higher education opportunities, but if people can’t aff ord to live here and use them, what does it matter?” ---Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “We know Massachusetts is a great place to live, but it didn’t happen by accident. Since taking offi ce, the Healey-Driscoll administration has cut taxes for families, seniors and businesses and produced responsible budgets that have increased investments in our schools, childcare, college accessibility and the environment.” ---Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. “Massachusetts may score high from a theoretical standpoint, but the reality on the ground is very diff erent. We’ve seen one of the largest outflows of people and wealth from our state in recent history. Poll after poll shows that over 20 percent of everyone in the commonwealth is looking to leave in the next few years. If Massachusetts is doing so well, why is everyone leaving?” ---Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of August 12-16. the House met for a total of one hour and 11 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 58 minutes. Mon. August 12 BEACON | SEE PAGE 20

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