Medicare adds coverage in 3 states for Second Sight’s Argus II ‘bionic eye’

March 6, 2018 By Fink Densford Leave a Comment

Second Sight Medical (NSDQ:EYES) said today that Medicare Administrative Contractor Palmetto GBA is now providing coverage for the Argus II retinal prosthesis system and its associated surgical procedures

The Sylmar, Calif.-based company said the approval expands coverage to Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, bringing the total states covered for the device up to 31, as well as two territories and the District of Columbia.

The Argus II induces visual perception in blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa by stimulating of the retina’s remaining cells with electrical pulses, which allows for the perception of light patterns to the brain, Second Sight Medical said.

“We are pleased that blind individuals with retinitis pigmentosa covered by Medicare now have greater access to the Argus II with five of seven MACs nationwide covering Argus II. We continue to work with the few remaining MACs and payers towards the goal of achieving full coverage in the U.S. The significant momentum in this effort reflects recognition of our technology as the standard of care for these blind individuals,” prez & CEO Will McGuire said in a press release.

Last month, Second Sight Medical said it entered the Singapore market with its Argus II retinal prosthesis system through its regional exclusive distribution partner Mandarin Opto-Medic.

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