February 7, 2012 > Health plan expands vision care benefits for seniors Health plan expands vision care benefits for seniors Submitted By Pamela Corante-Hansen Alameda Alliance for Health (the Alliance) has added coverage for glasses and contact lenses to its Alliance CompleteCare Medicare health plan, which serves seniors and persons with disabilities who are dually eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare. The new benefit became effective January 1, 2012. Since 2009, adult Medi-Cal beneficiaries have seen a state-mandated reduction in Medi-Cal optional services. While Medi-Cal continues to cover eye exams, it no longer provides coverage for prescription glasses or contacts. Due to high demand for eyewear benefits among residents of Alameda County, the Alliance enhanced its benefits package for its Alliance CompleteCare members. The new benefit will include $175 to be used toward the purchase of contact lenses or glasses every two years. Alliance CompleteCare also includes dental coverage, which was eliminated for adults from Medi-Cal as a result of state budgetary constraints. "At a time when the economic climate has forced many agencies to reduce benefits, the Alliance is pleased to be able to enhance the range of services for our CompleteCare members," said Ingrid Lamirault, CEO of the Alliance. "Our commitment to the health and well-being of Alameda County's seniors and people with disabilities remains a top priority." Alliance CompleteCare is a Medicare Advantage Special Needs health plan for people who live in Alameda County and who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Alliance CompleteCare combines Medicare, Medi-Cal and Part D drug coverage into one plan. Enrollment for Alliance CompleteCare is open year round, and sales representatives speak Cantonese, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Spanish. Additional information on Alliance CompleteCare benefits can be found at www.alliancecompletecare.org or by calling 1-877-585-7526.