Reps. Schrier, O’Halleran, Slotkin and DelBene Introduce Bill to Provide Vision Coverage in Medicare

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), with Reps. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), introduced the Medicare Vision Act of 2019 (HR 4665) that will expand Medicare Part B coverage to include routine vision benefits. Right now, Medicare only covers surgery and screenings for people who are at a high risk of getting cataracts and glaucoma. Today, HR 4665 is being marked up by the Energy and Commerce Committee along with HR 3.

"As seniors age, we want to make sure that they can live independent lives for as long as possible. Part of this is making sure that they can see well enough to drive to appointments, walk safely around the house, and carefully read prescriptions," said Rep. Schrier. "As a doctor, I am concerned about the number of older Americans who haven't had an eye exam in over a year and might have undiagnosed eye conditions, like macular degeneration or glaucoma. Also, poor vision can limit physical activity and increase isolation. Those, in turn, can lead to deteriorating health. By expanding Medicare Part B to cover vision care, we will ensure that older Americans will be able to access this care at a cost that isn't prohibitive."

The Medicare Vision Act of 2019 will expand Medicare Part B coverage to include routine eye exams, procedures, and contact lens fitting services. It will also provide coverage for one pair of eyeglasses or a two-year supply of contact lenses. Right now, Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery and yearly glaucoma screenings for people who are at a high risk but does not cover routine eye exams. Only 57% of Medicare beneficiaries with vision problems said they have received an eye exam during the previous year.

"Eyeglasses and routine eye exams are essential components of health care for Arizona seniors, and should be covered under Medicare. Seniors have paid into the Medicare program their entire lives; they deserve the highest quality, comprehensive care as they age. I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce this commonsense legislation," said Rep. O'Halleran, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

"Seniors on Medicare should have their vision care covered. Period," Rep. Slotkin said. "Preventative eye exams and corrective lenses are an essential part of healthcare -- but can be out of reach to older Americans since Medicare doesn't currently cover vision care. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to strengthen Medicare and lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors."

"I applaud Rep. Schrier's work on this legislation. Expanding Medicare Part B to include routine vision care is a commonsense step that will impact the lives of millions of seniors throughout Washington state and across the country. With many seniors living with undiagnosed eye problems, it is critical that we afford them access to routine eye exams and other procedures that will improve their overall health and quality of life," added Rep. DelBene.