Low-Vision Californians Losing Safety Net Care Following Medi-Cal Cuts
Low-income people with limited vision are feeling the impact of recent state budget cuts to Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers eliminated optical care, optometry and other auxiliary services from the Medi-Cal program. The budget deal excluded some nursing home residents from the changes.
The service reductions placed vision care out of reach for many low-income residents, possibly making them more susceptible to accidents and injuries.
Some local clinics are striving to fill the gaps by offering vision care and other services to those in need. However, many such clinics also are under strain from recent budget cuts and increased patient loads (Hirai, San Jose Mercury News, 12/2).
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