REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
OLDER BLIND SERVICES (OBS) PROGRAM
POLICY MANUAL
CHAPTER 6 - COMPARABLE SERVICES AND BENEFITS
The Older Blind Services Program requires clients to utilize comparable services and benefits for all applicable services. A comparable service or benefit is any resource which may provide equipment and/or services similar to those provided by the OBS program. Some examples which must be considered include: Medicare, Medicaid, veteran’s benefits, health insurance, Missouri Telecommunication Access Program (TAP), Independent Living Centers, or any other comparable service or benefits available to the client. OBS staff are encouraged to use similar benefits whenever possible. Consideration and use of comparable services or benefits is documented in the narrative and contract for services (authorization).
FOR MEDICARE RECIPIENTS, OBS may pay the deductible and co-insurance amount (including any difference between Medicare reimbursement and allowable cost) up to the fee schedule after all other resources have been exhausted.
Consideration and Utilization for Diagnostic Exams
OBS staff are not required to consider comparable services and benefits for diagnostic exams intended for use in eligibility determination.
Comparable services and benefits must be considered for the purchase of any diagnostic exam completed while the client is in service status.