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be considered blind. The SSA determination supersedes the MRT approval, and the MA B must be terminated. If a SSA denial is received, and the denial is not appealed within 65 days, then the MED 1 category should be closed, and the Medicaid hierarchy must be explored (see IHCPPM 2412.50.00).
2412.15.20 REQUIRED RE-EXAMINATION OF EYESIGHT (MED 1) The policy stated in this section only applies to the MA B and MA R categories of assistance.
The applicant whose vision might be expected to improve will be required to have a re- examination of eyesight as a condition of continuing MA eligibility. For recipients who initially met the visual requirement because of receiving SSI based on blindness, the caseworker must verify at each redetermination that the recipient continues to receive such benefits. If, for any reason, the recipient's SSI eligibility has been terminated, he must have an eye examination and an eye report must be submitted to the MRT. If the worker questions the continued eligibility of a recipient about the visual requirement, arrangements are to be made for the recipient to have an eye examination. A letter of explanation is to be attached to the eye report and submitted to the MRT.
2412.20.00 TREATMENT FOR RESTORATION OF EYESIGHT (MED 1) The policy stated in this section only applies to the MA B and MA R categories of assistance. A blind recipient is required to cooperate in any treatment plan recommended by the examining ophthalmologist and approved for payment by Medicaid which may fully or partially restore his eyesight.59
A recipient cannot be required to undergo any treatment if good cause for refusing exists. "Good cause" includes, but is not necessarily limited to:
• The treatment is contrary to his religious beliefs • Previous surgery of the same type recommended was unsuccessful; or • The recommended treatment is very risky because of its magnitude or unusual nature.60