Vision Program Details
Since 2011, The Pokagon Fund has been committed to providing free vision care to youth and seniors in Harbor Country®. The Vision Program 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 provides free routine vision examinations and prescription glasses to the youth in Harbor Country from the age of 9 months through their 19th birthday or the last day in August in the year of their high school graduation, whichever is earlier, subject to certain limits described below. Eligibility for participation by youth in the Vision Program requires only permanent residency in Harbor Country, regardless of income.
In addition, seniors 50 and older who are permanent residents of Harbor Country will 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.
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.
Definition of residency in Harbor Country
Applicants are residents of Harbor Country if they live in New Buffalo Township, the City of New Buffalo, Chikaming Township, Three Oaks Township, the Village of Three Oaks, the Village of Michiana or the Village of Grand Beach.
Frequency of 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.
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.