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Advocacy News

News and views on the regulatory, legislative, and political issues impacting ophthalmology in Washington, D.C., and around the United States

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New Hampshire State House
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Featured News

For the third straight year, New Hampshire ophthalmologists have successfully defended safe eye surgery.

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June 17, 2026
The Academy’s IRIS Registry Continues to Help Ophthalmologists Succeed in MIPS

While cost category concerns remain, The Academy's clinical data registry again helped our members achieve strong performance in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).

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May 21, 2026
Academy Fights Policies Limiting How You Treat Patients

The Academy partnered with ASOPRS and NANOS to submit formal written comments to five Medicare administrative contractors on proposed coverage policies for botulinum toxin injections that could override your clinical judgment on treatment decisions.

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May 14, 2026
CMS Opens 2026 MIPS Exception Applications

Applications must be submitted on CMS' Quality Payment Program webpage by 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.

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January 21, 2026
Medicare Reintroduces Mandatory Drug Pricing Models
Ophthalmologists should continue buying and billing for eye drugs the same way. If patients' out-of-pocket costs go down, the amount Medicare pays physicians will go up to match.
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January 21, 2026
MedPAC Recommends 2027 Pay Boost, But Does Not Support Tying Update to Inflation Index
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) modified previous years' recommendations but still recognizes the need for an annual payment update.
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January 14, 2026
CMS Keeps 2026 MIPS Changes Minimal and Extends IRIS Registry’s Status
Thanks to persistent Academy advocacy, CMS is keeping 2026 MIPS changes minimal while the IRIS Registry maintains its data registry status — protecting you from increased burden as you work to maximize your quality scores.
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December 3, 2025
How Two Controversial Medicare Policies Attack Surgical Care
The Academy’s team of health policy experts have analyzed finalized Medicare policies slated to begin Jan. 1, 2026, and outline the details of the most controversial policies. We are running out of time for Congress to act and stop these policies from harming your patients. Act today.
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November 24, 2025
CMS Finalizes 2026 2.6% Pay Increase for Hospital Outpatient Departments, ASCs
The final rule could affect about 4,000 hospital outpatient departments and 6,000 ambulatory surgical centers (ASC).
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November 19, 2025
Medicare Telehealth Claims Reprocessing Remains Uncertain
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to issue guidance on handling unpaid telehealth claims soon.
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October 22, 2025
Government Shutdown Update: CMS Lifts Claims Hold for Most Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has again reversed course and instructed Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) to lift the hold on the majority of Medicare claims with dates of service on or after Oct. 1.