Brisson v. Department of Social Welfare

Petitioner Lorraine Brisson appeals from the Secretary of Human Services’s order denying Medicaid funding for a closed-circuit television (CCTV). Brisson argues that a CCTV meets the Medicaid definition of “eyeglasses” and that the Secretary’s denial of coverage for a CCTV is inconsistent with federal Medicaid requirements. We agree and reverse the Secretary’s order.

Brisson applied to the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) for funding for a CCTV. The Department denied Medicaid coverage after determining that a CCTV does not qualify as durable medical equipment, is not a prosthetic device, and…