Myopia management included in MiGeL
What takes a long time can sometimes turn out really well. From July 1, myopia management in Switzerland will be included in the list of means and objects (MiGeL). This means that health insurance companies will cover costs of up to CHF 850 per year for myopia management lenses or contact lenses.
At the beginning of May 2020, OptikSchweiz, the SBAO, the Swiss. Ophthalmological Society SOG and representatives of ocular implant manufacturers were invited to the FOPH to discuss the existing mandatory benefits under the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG) in the area of visual aids. In addition to other proposed amendments - see the most important changes below - the SBAO and OPTIKSCHWEIZ had also proposed including myopia management products in the list.
A justified and sensible concern in view of the political situation - keywords: healthcare costs, volume expansion - but with slightly dampened hopes. As a result of this meeting, the effectiveness and suitability of all products had to be proven. The myopia management project group with Andy Dätwyler (head), Manuel Kovats, Kuno Cajacob, Pascal Blaser and Michael Bärtschi was particularly challenged here. It was not only necessary to fully document the methodology, effect and appropriateness with studies, it also required the support of the medical specialists. On behalf of everyone, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the project group for their prudent, demanding and time-consuming work: they have achieved a great deal for the profession and the industry!
The internal processes at the FOPH took time, but with the announcement of June 18, 2024, MiGel point 25 visual aids will now also be revised as of July 1. Almost all applications have been implemented . The only exception is the annual doctor's prescription for under-18s.
The most important changes from July 1, 2024
- Contributions are now available for spectacles and no longer just for spectacle lenses. The view has been taken that spectacle frames are also medical devices and therefore cannot be excluded from reimbursement.
- In the case of irregular astigmatism, corneal diseases or injuries, status after corneal surgery or iris defects, spectacles are now also eligible (in addition to contact lenses as before).
- Myopia control as a new special case glasses/contact lenses: contribution per year CHF 850. (up to max. 21 years of age), the prerequisite is a specialist prescription with details of axial eye length, proof of progression and degree of myopia.
Medium and Object List (MiGeL)
