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<strong>CMS</strong>-1403-FC<br />

Comment: Some commenters believe the regulation does<br />

not consider advancements in medical technology and would<br />

automatically deny coverage for any new technology designed<br />

to assist individuals with vision impairments. As a<br />

result, the commenters stated this regulation creates a<br />

disincentive for manufacturers and innovators to develop<br />

new and progressive vision technology.<br />

Response: We disagree with the commenters that this<br />

regulation creates a disincentive for manufacturers and<br />

innovators to develop new and progressive vision<br />

technology. As noted above, it is true that new medical<br />

advancements and new technologies in the area of vision<br />

impairment may fall within the scope of the statutory<br />

exclusion clarified in this regulation and coverage may be<br />

prohibited under Medicare.<br />

We do not automatically deny coverage for<br />

technologically improved items or services, instead, as a<br />

general matter, we cover technologically improved items or<br />

services if all coverage requirements are met. Many items,<br />

however, are not covered by Medicare, yet the relevant<br />

industries continue to develop and achieve major<br />

advancements in technology. For example, while we do not<br />

cover dental services or hearing aids, there continue to be<br />

advances in the furnishing of dental care and technological<br />

996

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