IM-15 VISUAL DETERMINATION LENGTH FOR SUPPLEMENTAL AID TO THE BLIND (SAB) AND BLIND PENSION (BP)

Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri

TO:  ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  VISUAL DETERMINATION LENGTH FOR SUPPLEMENTAL AID TO THE BLIND (SAB) AND BLIND PENSION (BP)

 

DISCUSSION:

Approval notices for BP and SAB coverages have been updated to notify the participant of the length of their eligibility determination and if a re-examination is waived for coverage renewal.

The State Ophthalmologist notifies the Family Support Division (FSD) if the participant has met the blind assistance criteria and the length of eligibility. Based on the information provided by the State Ophthalmologist the participant may need a re-examination no less than every fifth year after initial approval unless they have been deemed to have no usable vision.

All BP and SAB approval notices will include one of the following paragraphs:

Time limited approvals (requiring a reexamination)

(Participant’s Name) has been approved for assistance based on blindness until _________. You will be contacted prior to that date to determine if you continue to be eligible. You are required to report if your vision improves. 209.040 RSMo

Waived approvals (not requiring a re-examination)

(Participant’s Name) has been approved for assistance based on blindness. No review of your vision will be required, unless your vision improves. You are required to report if your vision improves. 209.040 RSMo

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/nw