Section 1 Medicare coverage for low vision devices
Coverage as durable medical equipment— Section 1861(n) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(n)) is amended by inserting “low vision devices (as defined in subsection (iii)(1)),” after “hospital beds,”.
Low vision devices defined— Section 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(iii) Low vision device; low vision
“(1) The term low vision device means a device that—
“(A) is an electronic optical device with one or more lenses that operates to modify or enlarge images;
“(B) is prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to an individual with low vision in order to address such low vision; and
“(C) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe.
“(2) The term low vision means macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other visual impairment that—
“(A) cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery; and
“(B) interferes with the ability of the individual involved to perform everyday activities (as determined by the Secretary).”
Effective date— The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to low vision devices furnished on or after January 1, 2016.