[NFBOH-Cleveland] White Canes are now Durable Medical Equipment

[Suzanne Turner]

White%20Cane%20Medicaid%20121018.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT 

December 10, 2018 Steven Frohwerk 

Director of Marketing, Communications and Special Events 

Cleveland Sight Center 216-791-8118 

sfrohwerk at clevelandsightcenter.org

Ohio Sight Centers applaud the Department of Medicaid for coverage of white
canes 

[COLUMBUS] - A rule proposed by the Ohio Department of Medicaid (Medicaid)
to provide coverage of white canes as durable medical equipment was
finalized

today, making Ohio the first state in the country to provide coverage for
the tool used by individuals that are blind or have low vision. The
Cleveland

Sight Center, Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired and
The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio expressed strong support for adoption of

the rule. 

"Vision loss affects every part of an individual's life, adding to the
stress of this loss is the patchwork of insurance coverage that these
individuals

face," said John Mitchell of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind &
Visually Impaired. "We are elated that Medicaid took a step forward towards
greater

insurance equity for these individuals." 

Ohio Sight Centers had previously advocated for coverage of white canes in
House Bill 587, sponsored by Representatives Marlene Anielski (R- Walton
Hills)

and Darrell Kick (R- Loudonville). The bill received a number of hearings in
the Ohio House while Medicaid contemplated making the change
administratively.

 

"We appreciate all of the work of our bill sponsors, Representatives
Anielski and Kick," said Larry Benders, President and Chief Executive
Officer of the

Cleveland Sight Center. "Their personal interest and dedication to improving
the lives of individuals with visual impairments is commendable." 

First used in 1921, the white cane is used for navigation purposes and as a
tool to attract attention and increase awareness for its user. They mark
paths,

signal the user to an obstacle, and improve the confidence of individuals
with visual disabilities. 

"Our orientation and mobility specialists assist individuals that are blind
or have low vision to regain their independence," said Stacey Butts,
Executive

Director of The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio. "In updating this rule to
provide coverage for white canes, the state is signaling support for
individuals

that have for too long been overlooked by the system." 

The Medicaid rule 5160-10-30 includes coverage for ambulation aids under
durable medical equipment, which previously covered canes, crutches or
walkers

but excluded coverage of white canes. The rule will take effect January 1,
2019, and individuals should check with local providers on availability of
Medicaid

eligible white canes.

 

 

Suzanne Hartfield-Turner, President

NFBOH-Cleveland Chapter

P: (641) 715-3900

Ex: 582705

A: PO Box 141077

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

E: President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com
<mailto:President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com> 

Please visit and take a moment to like our Facebook Page!

https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfOhioClevelandChapter/ 

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

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