Federal Advocacy
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.
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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.
U.S. House pens Medicare vision benefit language, but funding woes threaten derailment
Congress’ Sept. 15 deadline for bill language passes with lawmakers backing key guardrails that AOA’s advocates say must be in place for a workable benefit. Yet, price tag developments may forestall efforts.
Congress sets deadline to ink Medicare vision expansion language
A September deadline means now is the time for AOA members to act. Attend an upcoming special advisory group session for the latest legislative information and contact your members of Congress.
White House extends student loan relief, AOA continues push for NHSC inclusion
The AOA continues its support of optometry students, advocating for a temporary suspension of student loan debt due to the pandemic, as well as a long-term avenue toward loan forgiveness and repayment.
'One of the most impactful legislations for decades to come'
Is it happening? How will it work? What can you expect? The AOA fielded members’ questions about Congress’ efforts to create a Medicare vision benefit, providing the latest updates on a fluid situation.
AOA, AFOS ensuring optometry well represented in formation of national practice standards by VA
With the Department of Veterans Affairs decision to modernize its electronic health record (EHR) system and its desire to standardize processes, procedures, data and coding, formation of new practice standards is being proposed for all non-MD/DO specialties—including doctors of optometry.