By Cassie Lucas-Moore, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, CareWell Services Southwest
Poor vision can have a profound impact on your safety, ability to read and complete important paperwork, and even your social and mental health. Vision issues affect your safety and balance; increasing your risk for falls with injuries which are a leading cause of loss of independent living among seniors. Nobody wants to have a fall.
Depression due to poor vision can set in if you can no longer do the things that you enjoy doing—like reading, completing a word search, working on a puzzle, doing woodwork or car maintenance, or even simply watching television. These quality-of-life activities are also very important aspects of enjoying a fulfilling life.
However, glasses can be expensive. Traditional Medicare as well as many private insurances do not cover vision care expenses. Some medical conditions are related to vision, so exams might be covered by insurance, but corrective lenses or glasses might not be covered. The Calhoun County Senior Millage (paid for by property taxes) has a program to assist with the cost of eye exams and eyeglasses for those over 60 living in Calhoun County with an income less than $3,138 for a one-person household or $4,258 for a two-person household. It is easy to sign up for this program managed by CareWell Services Southwest.
Call (269) 966-2450 and ask for the vision program (or for help with eyeglasses). The SeeWell program staff person will then ask you questions regarding your care needs and current situation. You will need to provide proof of income(s), proof of county residency or ID, and copies of your insurance cards, including Medicare and Medicaid plans if you have them. If your insurance provides any assistance for glasses or vision, the Senior Services Millage program cannot provide any financial assistance. Once all documents are received, and you sign the release form, a referral is sent to the contracted provider. The eye doctor will then work directly with you to set the appointment and complete the process. CareWell Services staff are available to help if you need assistance making your appointment or finding transportation.
Funds are limited, so call today to get your vision exam and glasses. See your best life, with the SeeWell program!