Vision Program Details
Since 2011, The Pokagon Fund has been committed to providing free vision care to youth and seniors who are residents of the City of New Buffalo; the Townships of Chikaming, New Buffalo, or Three Oaks; or the Villages of Grand Beach, Michiana, or Three Oaks. It is administered directly by The Pokagon Fund. The service provider for the program is Smoke Vision Care of New Buffalo.
Eligibility
The Pokagon Fund Vision Program may provide a free routine vision examination and prescription glasses to the youth who permanently reside in the City of New Buffalo; the Townships of Chikaming, New Buffalo, or Three Oaks; or the Villages of Grand Beach, Michiana, or Three Oaks between the ages of 9 months until his or her 19th birthday or the last day in August in the year of their high school graduation, whichever is earlier. Eligibility for participation by youth in the Vision Program requires only permanent residency in one of the jurisdictions listed above, regardless of income.
In addition, seniors 50 and older who are permanent residents of the City of New Buffalo; the Townships of Chikaming, New Buffalo, or Three Oaks; or the Villages of Grand Beach, Michiana, or Three Oaks may receive a free routine vision examination and prescription glasses, subject to certain limits described below and subject to income eligibility based primarily on 250% of the current year’s Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
The services provided to eligible individuals through The Pokagon Fund Vision Program are subject to certain limitations described below. Any medical diagnosis could result in fees for additional services, which are not covered by this program.
For purposes of the Vision Program, income is calculated by adding the total of the following for each member of a senior’s household who is required to file a tax return:
- Adjusted gross income (AGI) on each person’s federal tax return.
- Nontaxable Social Security benefits.
Proof of income may be requested by The Pokagon Fund, including tax returns.
Frequency of Partcipation vision care eligibility
For youth: An applicant who is a youth and has received vision care services through The Pokagon Fund Vision Program shall be ineligible for such services for a period of one year from the time that the last service was provided.
For seniors: An applicant who is a senior and has received vision care services through The Pokagon Fund Vision Program shall be ineligible for such services for a period of two years from the time that the last service was provided.
Applicants must provide an updated application form and backup documentation each time participation in the program is sought.
Vision insurance and medical insurance
An applicant is required to disclose vision insurance and medical insurance that may provide benefits that cover the cost of the vision care provided through The Pokagon Fund Vision Program. The benefits provided by insurance shall be applied to the cost of the vision care authorized by the Vision Program.
What is provided by The Pokagon Fund Vision Program
The Pokagon Fund Vision Program pays the cost of a routine eye examination at an approved local vision service provider for negotiated rates.
The Pokagon Fund Vision Program also pays the cost for a single pair of prescription glasses, if needed, with a standard frame and lenses at an approved local vision service provider for negotiated rates.