On October 31, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. This rule includes significant reductions to surgical and specialty care payments by incorporating a -2.5% efficiency adjustment for non-time-based codes (e.g., procedures, imaging, testing) and cutting the practice expense associated with all services performed in the facility setting. If implemented on January 1, 2026, these policies would disrupt surgical eye care, reduce practice stability, and threaten patient access and safety.

The Academy submitted formal comments to CMS that outlined ophthalmology’s concerns and urged the agency to reconsider these proposals. In addition to the formal comments, the Academy launched a multipronged advocacy campaign to fight these policies. To amplify our message, we initiated a grassroots campaign that individual Academy and AAOE members used to submit comments to CMS on the proposed rule, resulting in nearly 700 individual submissions. Unfortunately, CMS has ignored stakeholder feedback and moved forward with these harmful changes. Now, we need you to take action.

Congress must act before the end of the year and pass legislation which stops the implementation of these flawed policies to ensure continued access to specialty care and protect the stability of physician practices nationwide. Make your voice heard by contacting your lawmakers today and urging them to act before it is too late. Personalizing your message is strongly encouraged, as it helps lawmakers understand the real-world impact these policies will have on your patients and your practice.