Headlines

California Eyeglass Benefit Under Threat Again as Budget Cuts Target Medi-Cal

The governor said there’s a way to avoid the reductions.

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2020

Eyeglasses may be short-lived as a benefit under California’s Medicaid program.

Eyeglasses were restored just months ago to Medi-Cal’s list of covered services. They’d been off the list for years, a casualty of the Great Recession.

But a revised state budget released last week would cut eyeglasses along with many other services, such as hearing exams, physical therapy and podiatry, CBS 8 reports.

The proposed cuts come as COVID-19 continues to affect the state’s economy. It’s estimated they would save $54.7 million, according to CBS 8.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the cuts can be avoided if the federal government provides enough money to maintain the services.

“When there is a recession, the Medicaid program always faces difficult choices. They went after the usual suspects,” said John Baackes, CEO of LA Care Health, an insurance plan for Medi-Cal participants in Los Angeles County.

Read more at CBS 8

The Best Overall Progressive Lens, Now Powered by AI

Engineered with Behavioral Artificial Intelligence and utilizing new XR-motion™ technology, Varilux XR series goes beyond prescription and eye physiology to consider the patient’s visual behavior and design a progressive lens that respects how
their eyes naturally move.

Varilux XR series comes in two versions, Varilux® XR design and Varilux® XR track. The Varilux XR track lens provides an additional level of personalization by incorporating the exclusive Near Vision Behavior Measurement, providing up to 25% more near vision width³ according to the patient’s need, so patients get the highest level of customization.

Discover Varilux XR series and enjoy instantly sharp vision in motion⁴ and seamless transitions from near to far.

For more information, visit here.