Does TRICARE cover cataract surgery?

Yes. TRICARE covers:

• Facility services, doctor services, and supplies needed to insert a standard monofocal intraocular lense (IOL) 
• Insertion of a standard monofocal IOL
• One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after the surgery

If you want anything other than the standard monofocal IOL, you’ll be responsible for the difference in the charges. TRICARE won‘t pay for services that are specific to treatments, insertion, or adjustments related to the presbyopia or astigmatism-correcting functionality of the IOL.

You may need a referral depending on your plan:

• If you are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime option, US Family Health Plan, or purchased TRICARE Young Adult-Prime, you need a referral.
• For all other TRICARE plans, you don’t need a referral.

Note: If you have TRICARE For Life coverage and live in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory, you must also follow Medicare’s rules.