AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Oppose provisions in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: 1) a -2.5% efficiency adjustment to Work RVUs for non-time-based services; 2) a new methodology for calculating indirect practice expenses in facility settings that unfairly penalizes facility-based surgical services. Support an amendment in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation that would halt funding for implementation of the Medicare Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR). Support for H.R. 6160, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, which would provide an annual inflationary update for Medicare physician payment tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Support for the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 (H.R. 3514/S. 1816) that would would streamline and standardize prior authorization requirements within the Medicare Advantage (MA) program.

Support for the Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. (S. 1380/ H.R. 4681) which would establish a new loan repayment program to incentivize specialty physicians to practice in rural communities. Support the efforts of House Republican leadership to expand an innovative and practical solution to the healthcare access, affordability, and consolidation crisis facing America: provider-owned hospitals (POHs). Support H.R.5509/S.903, the Safe Step Act, which would provide patients and providers with a clear and transparent appeals process when subject to step therapy protocols instituted by insurers.