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by Rebecca Vinduska
CARES
Phase II of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Capital
Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) has reached a
very critical point. At press time, Under Secretary for Health
Dr. Robert Roswell is reviewing planning initiatives.
The 16-member CARES Commission, appointed by VA Secretary Anthony
Principi, will consider recommendations submitted by Roswell,
along with data and analysis in support of such recommendations.
The Commission will also consider views and concerns during a
60-day period after Roswell makes his recommendations. These concerns
may be expressed in public hearings held by the Commission, from
individual veterans, veterans service organizations, Congress,
medical school affiliates, VA employees, local government entities,
affected community groups, and other interested parties.
The Commission may accept, modify, or reject, all with supporting
comments, the recommendations received from Roswell. Preliminary
reports propose construction of new VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers
(BRCs) in VISN 16 (Biloxi, Mississippi) and VISN 22 (Long Beach,
California) to meet the projected growth in the blind and visually
impaired veteran population.
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act of 2003
The Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act (H.R.1902) has
just been introduced in the 108th Congress by Representative Mark
Foley (R-FL-16). The bill has 28 original co-sponsors.
This legislation will increase access to vision rehabilitation
services by establishing uniform Medicare coverage in all states.
It will include, for the first time, the services of vision rehabilitation
professionals–Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Rehabilitation
Teachers, and Low Vision therapists–in the Medicare program.
The National Vision Rehabilitation Cooperative, of which BVA
is a member, is the driving force behind this legislation. The
cooperative is comprised of nonprofit vision rehabilitation agencies
throughout the United States. It is committed to strengthening
the provision of vision rehabilitation services for people with
functional vision impairment, including those who are totally
blind and those with partial sight. A Senate companion bill to
this legislation will be introduced within the next few weeks.
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