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

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November 20, 2024
Academy to UnitedHealthcare: Add Ophthalmology to New ‘Gold Card’ Program
The “gold card” program would exempt certain practices from prior authorization requirements.
November 19, 2024
Act Now to Ensure Your Medicare Coverage Works for You

Advocacy for patients.

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November 18, 2024
K. David Epley, MD: Without a Seat at the Table, Our Voice Goes Unheard
A Surgical Scope Fund Committee member and former OPHTHPAC committee member explains how your contributions drive the Academy’s advocacy efforts.
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November 13, 2024
CMS Finalizes Major Changes to MIPS Cost Performance Category
The changes include an updated scoring methodology which could improve scores for many ophthalmologists starting with the 2024 performance year/2026 payment year.
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A closeup photo of a doctor's hands wearing blue latex gloves as he pulls medicine from a small bottle with a syringe
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November 13, 2024
Ophthalmology Calls for Step Therapy Pause for Repackaged Avastin During Supply Chain Disruption

CMS signaled a willingness to review the request in its Nov. 12 meeting with the Academy and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

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A closeup of a medicine bottle that reads "Bevacizumab 100mg / 4ml"
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November 13, 2024
Aetna Offers Step Therapy Bypass to Ophthalmologists Unable to Source Compounded Avastin

Practices can note access issues in precertification requests to be granted an exemption from step therapy requirements. 

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House Representative and ophthalmologist Mariannette Miller-Meeks speaks on the House floor
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November 6, 2024
OPHTHPAC Helps Elect Physician Champions to Congress

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, R-Iowa, Rep. Kim Shrier, MD, D-Wash., and other OPHTHPAC-supported candidates have been reelected as control of the House of Representatives waits to be decided.

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November 6, 2024
Ophthalmologists Reelected to Arkansas and Kansas State Legislatures
Academy members William Clifford, MD, of Kansas, and Steven Magie, MD, of Arkansas, won their campaigns for state office.
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November 6, 2024
CMS Finalizes 2.9% Pay Increase for Hospital Outpatient, ASC Settings for 2025
The final rule could affect about 3,500 hospitals and 6,100 ambulatory surgical centers (ASC). Here are the key takeaways.
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October 30, 2024
Academy’s Congressional Champions Introduce New Medicare Pay Fix Bill
The bill would eliminate the nearly 3% cut proposed for 2025 and provide a one-year inflationary update. Urge your representatives to co-sponsor this critical legislation today.