# 42 C.F.R. § 435.530 (2026): Definition of blindness

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_530

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 C.F.R. § 435.530 (2026)
- **Heading:** Definition of blindness
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 42 CFR: Public Health / Chapter IV: CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES / Part 435: ELIGIBILITY IN THE STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AND AMERICAN SAMOA / Subpart F: Categorical Requirements for Eligibility / § 435.530: § 435.530   Definition of blindness.

## Text

(a)
Definition.
The agency must use the same definition of blindness as used under SSI, except that—
(1) In determining the eligibility of individuals whose Medicaid eligibility is protected under §§ 435.130 through 435.134, the agency must use the definition of blindness that was used under the Medicaid plan in December 1973; and
(2) The agency may use a more restrictive definition to determine eligibility under § 435.121, if the definition is no more restrictive than that used under the Medicaid plan on January 1, 1972.
(b)
State plan requirement.
The State plan must contain the definition of blindness, expressed in ophthalmic measurements.

## Nearby sections

- [42 C.F.R. § 435.500 (2026) § 435.500   Scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_500.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.520 (2026) § 435.520   Age requirements for the aged.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_520.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.530 (2026) § 435.530   Definition of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_530.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.531 (2026) § 435.531   Determinations of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_531.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.540 (2026) § 435.540   Definition of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_540.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.541 (2026) § 435.541   Determinations of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_541.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.550 (2026) § 435.550   Basis and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_550.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.551 (2026) § 435.551   Applicable individual.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_551.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.552 (2026) § 435.552   Demonstrating community engagement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_552.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.553 (2026) § 435.553   Mandatory exceptions for certain applicable individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_553.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.554 (2026) § 435.554   Specified excluded individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_554.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.555 (2026) § 435.555   Optional exception for short-term hardship events.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_555.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.556 (2026) § 435.556   Assessing compliance with the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_556.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.557 (2026) § 435.557   Verifying compliance with or exception or exclusion from the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_557.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_530. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.