Federal Advocacy
Medicare pay cuts, once delayed, looming without Congressional action
An all-out mobilization of doctor and student advocates is needed to urge lawmakers to correct several rounds of Medicare pay cuts in 2022 and 2023 with the first cut expected in the coming weeks.
Bipartisan bill to ban abusive policies of discount plans gets boost from policy expert report
Princeton, New Jersey-based Avalon Health Economics says plans’ mandated discounts for noncovered services and materials—and limits on laboratory freedom—harmfully distort the vision care market for patients and doctors of optometry. To fight back, the AOA is mobilizing its members and other national doctor groups to educate and inform Congress, now and in lead-up to in-person AOA on Capitol Hill.
A fast-paced 48 hours in round-the-clock AOA advocacy
AOA President calls advocacy a “privilege” to represent the profession and doctors of optometry, as a plethora of issues are tackled in 2021 and beyond.
U.S. House, consumer groups mull federal action against DTC contact lens sales schemes
Lawmakers are demanding a federal study to assess the need for future legislative or regulatory action against DTC prescription medical device sellers, after the AOA and other advocates spent years citing concerns.
Take Action, Secure Change
Congress delays Medicare pay cuts, AOA preps for 2022 fight
Tens of thousands of AOA doctors and other advocates spoke out against the nearly 10% pay cuts looming on Jan. 1, prompting Congress to delay most cuts later into 2022-2023.
Congress’ Medicare vision efforts fizzle, 10% pay cuts still loom
A Medicare vision benefit expansion was cut from the Build Back Better Act, but now advocates shift focus to avoiding nearly 10% cuts to Medicare reimbursement on Jan. 1, 2022.
Optometry’s advocates going FAR beyond the call
Do you know your AOA Federal Advocacy Representative? Connect with the AOA-FAR in your state and learn how to engage AOA’s federal advocacy.
AOA, AFOS make case to Department of Veterans Affairs for access-boosting national practice standards
AOA President Robert C. Layman, O.D., underscores AFOS and AOA support for national practice standards that allow doctors of optometry to operate “at the top of their license and training” and don’t limit veterans’ access to essential eye and vision care.
Nearly 10% Medicare pay cuts loom without Congress’ action
Congressional action is needed to stave off a trio of pay cuts totaling almost 10% of Medicare physicians’ reimbursement. Here’s how you can help.
Medicare expansion: The long road to here and now
Current debate on Medicare benefits expansion offers a moment to look back on similar points in time when federal action intersected the profession—and how the AOA advocated for you.