Focus on Eye Health: You Can Make A Difference

Glaucoma and diabetic eye disease (DED) are two leading causes of visual impairment and blindness, affecting millions of people in the United States. Often, there are no warning signs for either of these diseases. Yet, if they are detected in their early stages, sight-saving treatments are available. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the best way for people to protect themselves from the consequences of undetected glaucoma and DED.

Medicare provides a benefit to help pay for a comprehensive dilated eye exam for people with diabetes and those who are at higher risk for glaucoma. Specifically, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the doctor’s examination fee and the patient or his/her secondary insurance must pick up the deductible and the remaining 20 percent balance. People with Medicare who are eligible for this benefit include the following:

• African Americans aged 50 or older
• Hispanics aged 65 or older
• People with a family history of glaucoma
• People with diabetes.

Help those at higher risk for glaucoma and DED get the maximum benefit from their Medicare coverage. The National Eye Institute and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have developed a Medicare benefit information card to help spread the word. These colorful, 8”x 5.5” two-sided cards present a straight forward message: “Take advantage of Medicare benefits that can save your sight.” Send these cards to people at higher risk and distribute the cards in your office, at health fairs, health clinics, senior centers, houses of worship, libraries, pharmacies, and other locations in your community.

The cards are available in English and Spanish and you can order up to 500 copies at no charge. To see the cards and place your order, visit www.nei.nih.gov/medicare and help spread the word! Updated February, 2008