[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1659]]



    THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MEDICARE GLAUCOMA DETECTION ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK FOLEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 1999

  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Medicare 
Glaucoma Detection Act of 1999 today. Although it is not a disease that 
is always at the forefront of our attention, glaucoma is a significant 
cause of legal blindness in this country. An estimated 80,000 Americans 
are blind because of this disease. Alarmingly, at least two million 
individuals have glaucoma and estimates show that at least half of them 
are not aware of it.
  Medical science has shown that glaucoma can be prevented or delayed 
through early diagnosis and treatment. Preliminary data indicates that 
early detection in many cases can lead to treatment through 
pharmaceutical intervention rather than through surgery. I see no 
reason that America's seniors should risk losing their sight, and 
consequently their independence, from glaucoma if we can effectively 
identify and treat this disease early. Unfortunately, current Medicare 
coverage of glaucoma testing is inadequate. Current coverage is only 
available for those who show clearly identifiable symptoms of the 
disease. However, for many people, this could be too late.
  The Medicare Glaucoma Detection Act will expand coverage of glaucoma 
testing to include all Medicare patients 65 and older, Medicare-
eligible individuals aged 60 to 64 who have a family history of 
glaucoma and other high risk populations identified by the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services. Covered services will include a series of 
tests which must be performed in combination by an ophthalmologist in 
order to successfully detect the disease.
  Preventive care, like early disease testing, has proven to be highly 
effective in reducing the seriousness of many diseases and in improving 
the recovery time and quality of life for those who suffer from them. 
It only makes sense that coverage of glaucoma testing should be 
expanded in light of the known value of preventive care. Therefore, I 
would encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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