State-by-State Differences in Medicaid Vision Coverage for Adults
U.S. Medicare System
Author: NIH/National Eye Institute
Published: 2024/08/06
Publication Type: Data & Statistical Analysis – Peer-Reviewed: Yes
Contents: Summary – Introduction – Main – Related
Synopsis: National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study finds lack of coverage, copays, restrictive policies barriers to vital eye care for adults. Our study clearly shows that there are opportunities to expand coverage of routine vision services at the state level, and based on previous research, we expect more generous coverage would reduce rates of vision impairment, improve quality of life, and promote health equity. Even in states that had coverage for vision care services, copays and restrictive policies could still be a barrier for enrollees following through on an exam or glasses. Fully two-thirds of states required enrollees to cost share.
Introduction
A study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that 6.5 million Medicaid enrollees (12%) lived in states without coverage for routine adult eye exams; and 14.6 million (27%) resided in states without coverage for eyeglasses. The study based on 2022-23 coverage policies, published in Health Affairs, is among the first to provide a comprehensive, state-by-state analysis of adult Medicaid benefits for basic vision services [...]