Taking care of your eyes is just as important as taking care of any other part of your body. Poor vision can cause accidents while driving, headaches from eye strain and difficulty performing your day to day tasks among other things. Even if you think you don’t need your eyes checked, there could be a problem you aren’t aware of, which when ignored, could cause you to go blind. That’s why getting regular eye exams is extremely important. Even if you are on Medicaid or have no insurance, there is a way. For low-income families who may have difficulty getting eye exams, there are plenty of ways to get help. Read on to learn more about getting help for eye exams.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the social health Program of the United States that offers healthcare to low-income families. Serving families with no insurance or inadequate insurance, the income limits vary depending on the size of the household. Coverage and co-pays vary based on the state. While Medicaid primarily covers hospital and physician care, it also offers vision benefits. Children under 21 will be covered for eye exams, as well as eyeglass frames and lenses. Adults may also be covered in many cases but that depends on the state. Additionally, Medicaid will cover a portion of cataract surgery.
Highlights:
Provides affordable eye exams for adults and children
For low-income families with no or inadequate insurance
Must meet eligibility requirements
CHIP
CHIP is the Children’s Health Insurance Program that provides health insurance coverage for eligible children. CHIP serves children without insurance, up to the age of 19, who have families with too high of an income to qualify for Medicaid. CHIP, like Medicaid, will cover children for eye exams, frames and glasses. Many children with CHIP will qualify for free eye exams. However, there may be a cost to parents when it comes to frames and lenses if needed.
Highlights:
For children age 19 or younger
For children with parents or guardians who do not qualify for Medicaid
Free eye exams for most children
Non-profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations may be another way to get eye exams. Vision USA, one non-profit organization, is coordinated by Optometry Cares from the AOA Foundation. Vision USA offers free eye exams to low-income working individuals who are uninsured, as well as their families. Established in 1991, they are dedicated to providing basic eye exams in 40 different states. By speaking to a social worker or charitable organization, individuals can seek out the services of Vision USA from these sources. EyeCare America, another program, comes from the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and offers free eye exams for seniors, and care for one year after a disease-related diagnosis.
Highlights:
Offer free eye exams for uninsured families
Vision USA serves 40 states
EyeCare America offers free exams for seniors
Conclusion
Taking care of your vision is always important. With a number of different ways to provide yourself or your family with eye care, there’s little reason to go without the care you need. Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, a number of available organizations are dedicated to helping people like you and your family.