Federal Advocacy
Get involved: 10 minutes to learn optometry’s advocacy
A limited-time, members-only course offers an introduction to professional advocacy as optometry’s advocates gear up for Virtual AOA on Capitol Hill, May 23-25.
Congress mulls Medicare’s COVID-19-accelerated telehealth allowances
Momentum builds on Capitol Hill for a permanent expansion of Medicare telehealth criteria—find out how optometry’s advocates are approaching the conversation.
2% Medicare sequester delayed, PAYGO technically still on table
Although Congressional action staved off an immediate 2% cut to providers’ Medicare payments this year, attention now shifts to additional cuts mandated by federal spending controls.
Doctors of optometry obtain $2.1 billion in federal relief to blunt COVID-19 economic crisis
Even as doctors of optometry receive the much-needed funds, the AOA remains committed to advocating for optometry’s inclusion in federal crisis measures. Reminder: the deadline to apply for relief has been extended to May 31.
Take Action, Secure Change
Starting April 1, patients must acknowledge receipt of their contact lens prescriptions or provide consent to email it
Despite yearslong opposition by the AOA, other medical groups and many in Congress, the government’s Contact Lens Rule changes requiring confirmations and recordkeeping for at least three years are in effect. The Federal Trade Commission confirms it has authority to seek fines for noncompliance.
April 1 Medicare sequester date arrives: Congress eyes action on physician pay cuts, PRF taxability
Help AOA advocate for a fix on these issues immediately affecting optometry practices—a 2% Medicare pay cut and taxability of HHS Provider Relief Funds.
Expanded COVID-19 vaccinator workforce includes doctors and students of optometry
The federal recognition of optometry’s utility in current COVID-19 vaccination efforts comes after weeks of AOA advocacy. Here’s how to get started.
‘Frustrating’ NBEO decisions provoke AOA, AOSA response
Abrupt schedule and fee changes, limited availabilities and a lack of advanced communication draw criticism from students and a word of warning that confidence is fading in the testing agency.
Congress’ COVID-19 relief package: HHS funds, ERC extension and more
The $1.9 trillion relief package includes the extension and funding of many federal initiatives that AOA supported in assisting optometry practices still coping with the pandemic fallout.
Paraoptometric advocacy lifts optometry: Why staff involvement is critical
Paraoptometric attendance at the AOA’s premier advocacy conference, May 23-25, helps reinforce optometry’s case for immediate changes that will affect the entire practice.