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

[Ali Benmerzouga]

Awesome! That is really a great news! Thanks!


From: NFBOH-Cleveland <nfboh-cleveland-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Suzanne Turner via NFBOH-Cleveland
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2018 4:18 PM
To: 'NFB of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter List' <nfboh-cleveland at nfbnet.org>; AlexisTyson2000 at Yahoo.com; 'edgarsfarm' <edgarsfarm at aol.com>; Slkrems at yahoo.com; wturner at clevelandsightcenter.org; Victory71351 at AOL.COM; Leeth123 at roadrunner.com
Cc: Suzanne Turner <smturner.234 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NFBOH-Cleveland] White Canes are now Durable Medical Equipment

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<mailto: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>
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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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