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The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101.

Medicare does not pay for low vision aids. This exclusion includes all devices that use one or more lenses to aid vision or magnify images. This rule applies no matter the size, form or technological features of the device. This rule does not apply to:

1. post-surgical prosthetic lenses after surgery in which the lens of the eye was removed;

2. prosthetic intraocular lenses (IOLs) and one pair of conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses furnished after each cataract surgery with insertion of an IOL; and

3. prosthetic lenses used by those who are lacking the natural lens of the eye and who were not furnished with an IOL. 
You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 411.15(b).

Medicare does not pay for eye exams for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses or contact lenses for refractive error only. Medicare does not pay for procedures performed in the course of any eye exam to determine the refractive state of the eyes. Refractive procedures are not covered even when done in connection with otherwise covered diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury. You can find these rules at 42 CFR Section 411.15(c).

The rules say that medically necessary services are those that are reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. Medically necessary services include services to improve the functioning of a malformed body member. You can find this rule in the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(1)(A).

The rules say that a Medicare plan may restrict enrollees to a network of providers as long as medically necessary covered care is accessible and available through this network. The rules say that the plan must arrange for specialty care outside of the plan provider network when network providers are unavailable or inadequate to meet an enrollee's medical needs. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.112(a)(3).

The rules say that plans may specify the networks of providers from whom enrollees may obtain services. The rules say plans may require prior authorization for most in-network services if the health plan ensures that all covered services are available and accessible under the plan. The plan must arrange for specialty care outside of the plan provider network when network providers are unavailable or inadequate to meet an enrollee's medical needs. Plans offering coordinated care plans must ensure continuity of care and integration of services through arrangements with contracted providers. This includes services available through contracting or non-contracting providers in the area serviced by the health plan including nursing home and community based services. You can find this rule at 42 CFR Section 422.112.

If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com.

The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules. The Plan contract says that, with limited exceptions, members of the Plan must use network providers to get medical care and services. The only exceptions are emergencies, urgently needed care when the network is not available (generally, when the enrollee is out of the area), out-of-area dialysis services, and cases in which the Plan authorizes the use of out-of-network providers. You can find this information on page 14 of the Plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC).