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(MRG) UPDATED: JUNE 2010 27 CATEGORICAL FACTORS SSI-RELATED BLINDNESS Policy: Persons of any age are eligible to receive Medicaid when they are certified blind by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, providing they meet the financial and other eligibility requirements. References: SSL-Sect. 366 366-ee Dept. Reg. 368 ADMs 10 OHIP/ADM-01 87 ADM-41 GISs 09 MA/027 Medicaid Disability Manual Interpretation: To be eligible as blind, individuals are certified as legally blind by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. Total blindness is not required for such certification and all A/Rs evidencing obvious visual impairments are considered for this category. If a person shows evidence of multiple impairments, a classification of blindness takes precedence over other disabilities. If an A/R's vision improves to the point that s/he is no longer certified blind, the A/R remains SSI-related for two months following the month his/her blindness is overcome. To be eligible for Medicaid, the A/R must still meet all other requirements. Exception: Persons who were eligible as Medicaid-only blind persons in December, 1973 and who continue to meet the December, 1973 criteria for blindness, continue to have their blindness evaluated by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped in accordance with the December, 1973 standards for as long as they remain eligible for Medicaid. When to Verify Verify status when: Status: (1) the A/R indicates blindness or a severe vision impairment on the application. (2) When the A/R shows evidence of blindness or obvious visual impairment. (3) When the A/R indicates present or past employment at a workshop for the visually handicapped.