Advocacy News

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.

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. 

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) modified previous years' recommendations but still recognizes the need for an annual payment update.

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.

As the Academy fights to halt harmful Medicare policies, President Michal X. Repka sent a letter requesting a meeting with CMS leadership to get in front of future rulemaking and protect patient access to specialty 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.

Rep. Kelly Morrison, MD, D-Minn. spoke at OPHTHPAC®’s quarterly speaker series event, where she discussed Medicare reimbursement, scope of practice, and vision research funding.

Drawing on member feedback, our formal comments detail how CMS’ proposals would disrupt surgical eye care, reduce practice stability, and threaten patient access.

The Academy outlined key recommendations for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in a May 22 letter to newly appointed Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD.