How to Pay for Cataract Surgery When You Don't Have Insurance

There are several ways to pay for cataract surgery, even if you don’t have insurance. There are a few free and heavily discounted services you can try to qualify for. The information I’m giving in this article is strictly for the U.S. There may be other programs for other countries that I haven’t researched.

There may be more services in the United Stares that I’m not aware of, so you need to do your own research, as there may be other help you can get, such as through your church or other type of charity.

The first thing you might want to do is ask your eye doctor if he knows of any local surgeons, or knows of any programs that could help you out.

Free Cataract Surgery

This organization has doctors all over the country who provide free surgery for cataract patience who qualify.

Mission Cataract USA. org

1-800-343-7265

The free surgeries are provided only once a year as far as I can tell, so this may not be the best option for everyone.

Cataract Free America

1-800-872-3937

This one may be for seniors only, but it can’t hurt to ask, if you are younger.

Cataract Surgery Discounts and Payment Plans

Some surgeons will give you a discount, or let you make a payment plan if you qualify. It’s good to do a lot of research to find the best deal, and someone willing to work with you. Grab a phonebook, and call around. Ask how much they charge per eye, as I’ve gotten quotes from $3000 to $9000 per eye. And that may or may not include such things as the fee for the anesthesiologist, and before and after visits.

Ask very specific questions, and let them know you don’t have insurance. Some will work with you on a payment plan, and some will not. The best deal I’ve been quoted in my search is $1850 down, with a payment plan for the other $2000, over six months.

There may be discount programs if you qualify. For instance, Casey Eye Institute at OHSU will give up to a 100 percent discount according to how much money you make.

Basically, if you look and ask around, you will probably find a way to help pay for your cataract surgery. So don’t lose hope if you have no insurance, there are a lot of good people in this world who make an effort to help others in need.