Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 2, 2022

The answer may depend on your choice of plan

Medicare offers coverage for treatments and procedures they deem to be medically necessary. Vitrectomy surgery is no exception. But some Medicare Advantage plans might deny coverage and require you to pay out-of-pocket for the surgery. Which plans will help you spend less? Let's find out.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What is Vitrectomy Surgery?

Vitrectomy surgery is a type of eye surgery that removes the vitreous humor, or gel-like substance, from inside the eye. This procedure is often done to treat conditions such as retinal detachment and

macular degeneration

.

What are the benefits of Vitrectomy surgery?

Vitrectomy surgery can help improve vision by removing scar tissue, repairing retinal tears, or restoring normal blood flow to the eye. It can also reduce pain and discomfort associated with these problems.

Medicare Coverage for Vitrectomy Surgery

Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the cost of vitrectomy surgery , including doctor visits and lab tests related to the procedure. However, you may be responsible for a portion of the remaining cost. Medicare also requires that your doctor provide documentation stating why the surgery was medically necessary for it to be covered.

What is the cost of vitrectomy surgery?

The cost of vitrectomy surgery depends on the type of procedure you have and your insurance coverage. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000 per eye. Be sure to check with your doctor and insurance provider for more specific information about your situation.

How to qualify for Medicare coverage of vitrectomy surgery?

In order to qualify for Medicare coverage of vitrectomy surgery, your doctor must certify that the procedure is medically necessary. Your doctor will need to provide documentation and obtain prior authorization from your insurance provider before the procedure can be scheduled. Additionally, you'll also have to meet any other requirements set by your insurer.

There have been some instances of Medicare Advantage plans denying this procedure, in which case, you might have to pay for the cost of surgery out-of-pocket. That is why we typically recommend Medicare Supplement Plan G to our clients for the most comprehensive coverage.

Does Medicare cover vitrectomy chairs?

After vitrectomy surgery, many people find it more comfortable to rest in a face-down position. Medicare does not cover specialized chairs designed for this type of procedure, as they are not deemed medically necessary.

Alternatives to vitrectomy surgery

In some cases, vitrectomy surgery can be avoided through less invasive treatments such as laser therapy or injection of medications. Talk to your doctor about the potential alternatives that may be available to you before deciding if a vitrectomy is the best course of action for your eye condition.

Takeaway

Vitrectomy surgery is a safe and effective way to treat certain eye conditions. In most cases, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the costs associated with vitrectomy surgery as long as it is deemed medically necessary by your doctor. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may not cover this procedure, and you may end up having to pay out-of-pocket for the cost of the surgery. Before pursuing this surgery, talk with your doctor to see if it's right for you. This content is for informational purposes only. Fair Square Medicare is here for all your Medicare-related questions.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Dec 9, 2022

Medicare Enrollment Periods stock image

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Feb 3, 2023

Cover image

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Jun 7, 2023

Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Dec 15, 2022

Cover image

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

May 5, 2023

Human hands holding healthy lung shape made from paper on light blue background. stock photo

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

Jan 24, 2023

Cover image

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

Aug 14, 2023

Psoriasis on elbow stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Dec 7, 2022

Gloved hands with a scalpel begin a knee replacement surgery

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Jan 11, 2023

Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 5.02.46 PM

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Mar 19, 2025

Fair Square

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Nov 29, 2022

Birthday stock image

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

Mar 28, 2023

Cover image

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

May 25, 2020

Cover image

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

Feb 26, 2024

Myelofibrosis stock image

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Dec 12, 2022

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) symptoms stock photo

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Dec 1, 2022

COVID-19 at home test stock image

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Dec 21, 2022

Dripping medication stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Nov 23, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50