The cashier has to pay Navi for the blind

Social Court Berlin: device allows independent orientation
(Jur). Blind people can claim a "Navi" -like GPS system from their health insurance for better orientation in the vicinity of their home. Unlike a long stick, the tool enables "anticipatory walking," the Berlin Social Court ruled in a ruling issued on Monday, May 2, 2016 (Ref .: S 89 KR 1636/14).

A blind Berliner, who had unsuccessfully applied for the reimbursement for a GPS system totaling 953 euros, had sued her health insurance company. Specially designed for blind people, the navigation system has a speaker, a keyboard and a voice output, so that routes can be entered independently and device functions can be operated.

Image: Gina Sanders - fotolia

The "blind navigation" also tells you which street you are on, where and what kind of the next intersection. Also focal points of the daily life are announced with address and distances such as for supermarkets, banks or bus stops. Unlike the long pole, the GPS system offers guidance even if it has lost its way, according to the plaintiff. The ophthalmologist had prescribed the woman the GPS system.

The health insurance company referred the blind woman to the fact that she had already completed a mobility training with her long stick in her childhood. They know so very well in their near residential area and therefore do not need the GPS. The long pole thus fulfills their basic mobility needs. The health insurance would not have to do more. A cost assumption is also not possible because the GPS system is a normal commodity that could be used by healthy people.

In its final judgment of 22 January 2016, however, the Social Court obliged the health insurance company to cover the costs. The GPS system should be regarded as a necessary aid, which serves the indirect disability compensation. Health insurance companies would only have to compensate for the basic needs of the handicapped person. This also includes mobility in the vicinity of the home. Spatially, this extends to an area that a healthy person can still reach on foot.

The applicant can not be relied upon for the sole use of its long pole. Because the GPS system allows more security and a completely independent movement in the vicinity. Thus, the plaintiff can not only "forward-looking" by her in time the next intersection is announced. So far unknown unknown facilities and places like a new specialist or advice centers could also be displayed.

A normal commodity is not the system either. Economical cheaper alternatives are not available. Special smartphone apps would not offer the same usage advantages as the GPS system. (Fle / mwo)