Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Florida Government & Politics

Gus Bilirakis, Carolyn Maloney Bring Back Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, continue to champion the “Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act” which they have worked on in recent sessions.

Maloney reintroduced the bill last week with Bilirakis leading more than 25 co-sponsors including U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla.

“This legislation would help vision-impaired Medicare beneficiaries live safe and independent lives by creating a five-year national demonstration project to evaluate the economic impact of allowing reimbursement for low vision devices, which are currently excluded from Medicare coverage,” Bilirakis’ office noted.

“As a visually impaired American, I have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties that accompany this condition. Simple tasks can be a significant challenge, and low-vision assistive devices are often required for essential life functions. Sadly, many of these products are out of reach for seniors who live on a fixed income, and the devices’ exclusion from Medicare necessitates a difficult choice between extreme financial hardship or disengagement from these vital activities. I view this legislation as a preventative measure that will help seniors stay healthy, active, and self-sufficient for a longer period of time. This is not only better in terms of quality of life for our seniors, but also will result in reduced overall financial cost to the Medicare system. I am hopeful that the demonstration project authorized by this good, bipartisan legislation will help validate this approach,” said Bilirakis.

“Medicare coverage of low vision devices would be life-changing for Americans with vision impairments. It would give them the ability to partake in everyday activities, whether it be reading a book, watching television, or safely crossing the street. We must ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have affordable access to necessary medical devices,” said Maloney.

The American Council of the Blind, the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, VisionServe Alliance, the Blinded Veterans Association and the American Foundation for the Blind are backing the proposal.

The bill was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means Committees. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.

Author

  • Kevin Derby

    Originally from Jacksonville, Kevin Derby is a contributing writer for Florida Daily and covers politics across Florida.

    View all posts

Share Story Via Text, E-Mail, Facebook or Twitter

Follow Us on Social Media

Archives

Related Stories

Political News

Below is a statement from the office of Florida’s U.S. Senators, Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott, regarding the U.S. Army Corps of...

Florida News

Last week, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., applauded the decision by the U.S. Department of Defense to award Osceola County a five-year Cornerstone award...

Florida News

This week, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched billboards and digital ads targeting more than 20 Democrats in the U.S. House, including U.S....

Florida News

Last week, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., showcased his proposal to “require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program that facilitates the...

Florida News

This week, U.S. Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., and Darren Soto, D-Fla., showcased a letter they sent to U.S. Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo about red...

Florida News

Last week, the Florida congressional delegation held a meeting focused on agriculture and the Farm Bill.The delegation is led by U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan,...

Florida News

This week, the U.S. House passed U.S. Rep. Darren Soto’s, D-Fla., “Leveraging American Understanding of Next-Generation Challenges Exploring Space (LAUNCHES) Act.”According to Soto’s office,...

Florida News

This week, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., brought out the “Consumer Safety Technology Act.”The bill will “direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to explore...