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.

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. 

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 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.

A bipartisan effort is underway to delay the 2.5% efficiency adjustment that could impact patient access to care.

The legislation continues several pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027.

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

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.