Poor Vision Costs Medicare

Posted by Kathy Quan Feb 8, 2007

Apparently this is a little known fact because less than 45% of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes has had an eye exam. This coverage has been available since 1998. The Medicare Glaucoma Detection Act was passed in 2001 to ensure those at risk could have an annual screening, yet it is not a well-known benefit.

According to the results of a study published in the February issue of the trade journal, Opthamology, Medicare is paying out more than $2 billion annually in non-eye related illness (such as depression) and injuries; some of which require skilled nursing home care.

The major causes of vision loss in this study were Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma. All of these are treatable, and when diagnosed early, the adverse effects can be minimized.

The study points out the need for CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to increase awareness of the coverage for eye exams and glaucoma screening, as well as the need for primary physicians to screen all patients for vision problems. Early detection and treatment can help to reduce costs significantly. Thirdly, Medicare beneficiaries need to be educated in the prevention of eye related diseases as well as non-eye related complications.

For more information visit the Medicare website.