AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

BUD · Budget/Appropriations

Issues related to implementation of legislative provisions of the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill.

MMM · Medicare/Medicaid

Adequacy of Medicare physician payments for physicians and implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, including related provisions in H.R. 879 Medicare Patient and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025, S. 891 the Bipartisan Health Care Act of 2025 and H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) P.L. 119-21, and related to physician payment adjustment of 2.5%. Issues related to adequate network coverage for ophthalmology care within Medicare Advantage plans and advocate for relief from prior authorization requirements under Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans, Medicare reimbursement for telemedicine, and extending Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities. Use of step therapy in Medicare and health insurance coverage. Enhance Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation quality initiatives and patient access to Medicare Part B covered drugs, including monitor CMMI Medicare Part B drug-related demonstrations.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 879, S. 891, H.R. 1

HCR · Health Issues

Ophthalmologists' services in Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Monitor implementation of Surprise Medical Billing law. Advocacy on Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) issues. Monitor legislative action on healthcare workforce issues.

VET · Veterans

Legislative issues relating to vision care within the VA Health System.