VA Resolutions
BVA passes resolutions each year at the national convention.
As soon as possible following the convention, BVA submits to VA
Secretary Anthony J. Principi the resolutions requiring action
by VA. Responses to the resolutions from VA for the past two years
are posted on the new "Advocacy"
page on BVA’s website, www.bva.org
Of the ten resolutions submitted to Principi for review last
year, four were ineligible for review because they involved legislation,
but the remaining six garnered positive VA responses. VA encourages
BVA’s work with the Blind Rehabilitation Service (BRS)/BVA
working group. The Department also regards as valuable the work
of the Visual Impairment Advisory Board, of which BVA Executive
Director Tom Miller is a member.
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act
The Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act (S. 1095) has
passed the Senate as part of the Medicare prescription drug bill
(S. 1). The Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act authorizes
low vision rehabilitation services and providers to be covered
under Medicare. At present, Medicare does not cover vision rehabilitation
services and those provided by Orientation and Mobility Specialists
and Rehabilitation Teachers.
Although the House did not pass a similar provision, the National
Vision Rehabilitation Cooperative is working tirelessly to assure
that the Conference Committee retains the provision.
BVA is an endorsing organization of the National Vision Rehabilitation
Cooperative.
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