Medicaid Vision information

June 29, 2011
ATTN: Medicaid Vision Providers
Legislation Gives Medicaid Clients Access to Low-cost Eyeglass Lenses and Frames
Medicaid providers may now obtain low-cost eyeglass frames and lenses for Medicaid clients
who otherwise might not be able to afford vision hardware because of state budget cuts.
Legislation passed this year and signed by Governor Gregoire allows Airway Heights'
Correctional Industries Optical Center to continue making vision hardware for Medicaid
providers and patients. Under the law, providers can furnish the eyewear to Medicaid patients at
the same cost they pay the Optical Center. Prices are expected to range around $20 for a pair of
glasses.
The vision benefit budget cut was one of several changes affecting coverage for clients of the
Medicaid program ages 21 and older. None of the changes affected children’s benefits, which
are generally protected under federal Medicaid law. The cuts also did not change coverage of
eye or hearing exams for adults. Those remain covered by Medicaid.
Airway Heights Optical Center is directing provider inquiries to its Customer Care
Department at 1-888-606-7788. Staff there will help providers through the process.
More information about the bill and copies of the legislation are available on the Internet at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5352&year=2011
Additional information also will be posted on the Airway Heights web page soon:
http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/ahcc/default.asp
Providers are reminded that dispensing codes 92340-92342 are still valid codes and that
Medicaid will reimburse providers for dispensing the glasses.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352, was originally sponsored by Senators Jim Honeyford, R-15, Debbie
Regala, D-27, and Dan Swecker, R-20. It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by
Governor Gregoire on April 18.
NOTE: Please do not reply directly to this Listserv message, as it is not monitored. If you have
feedback or questions, please select one of the options at
http://hrsa.dsh

Medicaid Vision Coverage

STATE OF WASHINGTON
HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
626 8th Avenue, S.E. • P.O. Box 45502 • Olympia, Washington 98504-5502

June 29, 2011
ATTN: Medicaid Vision Providers
Legislation Gives Medicaid Clients Access to Low-cost Eyeglass Lenses and Frames
Medicaid providers may now obtain low-cost eyeglass frames and lenses for Medicaid clients
who otherwise might not be able to afford vision hardware because of state budget cuts.
Legislation passed this year and signed by Governor Gregoire allows Airway Heights'
Correctional Industries Optical Center to continue making vision hardware for Medicaid
providers and patients. Under the law, providers can furnish the eyewear to Medicaid patients at
the same cost they pay the Optical Center. Prices are expected to range around $20 for a pair of
glasses.
The vision benefit budget cut was one of several changes affecting coverage for clients of the
Medicaid program ages 21 and older. None of the changes affected children’s benefits, which
are generally protected under federal Medicaid law. The cuts also did not change coverage of
eye or hearing exams for adults. Those remain covered by Medicaid.
Airway Heights Optical Center is directing provider inquiries to its Customer Care
Department at 1-888-606-7788. Staff there will help providers through the process.
More information about the bill and copies of the legislation are available on the Internet at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5352&year=2011
Additional information also will be posted on the Airway Heights web page soon:
http://www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/prison/ahcc/default.asp
Providers are reminded that dispensing codes 92340-92342 are still valid codes and that
Medicaid will reimburse providers for dispensing the glasses.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352, was originally sponsored by Senators Jim Honeyford, R-15, Debbie
Regala, D-27, and Dan Swecker, R-20. It passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by
Governor Gregoire on April 18.
NOTE: Please do not reply directly to this Listserv message, as it is not monitored. If you have
feedback or questions, please select one of the options at
http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/contact/default.aspx. Your message will be delivered to the appropriate staff member