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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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Ophthalmologist Raj Maturi, MD, with a patient in his clinic.
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Featured News

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.

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March 25, 2026
Missouri Ophthalmologists Defend Safe Eye Surgery

The Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is defending patient safety from optometric scope expansion.

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March 18, 2026
Your Academy in Action: Health Policy Committee Sharpens Strategy for 2026

Volunteer ophthalmologists from across the country — your colleagues on the Academy's Health Policy Committee — met to map the policy battles ahead and chart the strategy to win them. Here is what they are fighting for on your behalf.

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March 18, 2026
Dangerous Kansas Optometric Surgery Bill Becomes Law

Kansas House Bill 2223 was signed into law on March 12, expanding optometry’s scope of practice to include laser and scalpel surgery.

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March 11, 2026
Academy and Michigan Ophthalmologists Unite to Fight BCBS Reimbursement Cut

A policy update scheduled to take effect May 1, 2026, would reduce reimbursement by 50% for E/M services appended with modifier –25 for patients in Michigan enrolled in specific plans.

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March 11, 2026
CMS Tests Prior Authorization for Some ASC Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced a new pilot program requiring prior authorization (PA) for fee-for-service Medicare for certain services in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).

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March 11, 2026
Virginia Ophthalmologists Fight Against Malpractice Changes

All ophthalmologists in Virginia are urged to contact their state senators and delegates using the Academy's grassroots tool.

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An illustration of the OPHTHPAC® March Mayhem bracket
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February 25, 2026
Join the OPHTHPAC® March Mayhem State Challenge

Advocacy wins don’t happen by accident — they happen because members like you step up. Make your OPHTHPAC contribution today to enter this spirited competition and help your state lead the nation in advocacy strength.

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February 18, 2026
Advocacy Works: Academy Pushes Humana to Correct 1.8 Million Denied Claims

Responding to members, the Academy fought Humana's mass denials and won. Here's what your practice needs to know to recover affected payments.

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February 18, 2026
Patient Victory in New Mexico

The New Mexico legislature ended their session Feb. 19, leaving House Bill 213 in Senate Judiciary Committee without advancing, thereby killing the bill. 

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February 11, 2026
Key Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities and GPCI Floor Provisions Extended in 2026 Funding Bill

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