Advocacy News

The Academy is now part of a coalition fighting against a proposed CMS policy that could reduce payments for some services by as much as 50%.

The draft 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule has been released, and comments on it are due to CMS by Sept. 14. Join the Academy in making your voice heard. See what's at stake for ophthalmology.

AAO 2026 is a great time to delve into the Academy's advocacy efforts and meet those who are making a difference in federal and state legislation. Whether you stop by the OPHTHPAC® and Safe Surgery Action Fund (formerly the Surgical Scope Fund) booths to learn about our work, join us at our reception, or attend one of our advocacy sessions, we’re looking forward to seeing you this year in New Orleans. All sessions are in Central Time.

Academy members sent a resounding message to Congress last week: You sent about 500 letters to lawmakers urging them to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.

 As part of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) Week of Action, the Academy and American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), in partnership with the ELSA Coalition, are contacting members of Congress and encouraging action in support of ELSA.

The Academy will be advocating against a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposal on evaluation and management (E/M) visits that inappropriately reduces reimbursement and puts patient care and practice viability at risk. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 rule would sunset Traditional MIPS, mandate MVP reporting, and add a core measure requirement. Here's what you need to know.

This new bill, introduced by physician lawmakers, starts an important conversation on how to avoid proposed cuts to Medicare reimbursement in 2027 and provides a great opportunity for ophthalmology to weigh in and influence future legislation. 

Thanks to Academy advocacy and leadership, and the voices of members like you, the Seniors’ Act cleared a major hurdle in reforming prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. Let’s keep pushing until it becomes law.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2027. Here are the highlights based on the Academy’s analysis. The Academy will work with our advocacy partners to ensure finalized policies support our members and their patients.