Advocacy Update Dec. 9, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 9, 2025
AADA endorses annual inflationary update to Medicare payment legislation
Upcoming formulary prior authorization changes to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s federal employee coverage
Podcast highlights advocacy on dermatopathology payer and regulatory challenges
Peter Friedman, MD, PhD, FAAD, hosts congressional practice visit
Medicare physician payment reform
AADA endorses annual inflationary update to Medicare payment legislation
The AADA endorsed a House bill (PDF) that would include an annual inflationary update to the Medicare physician fee schedule, which is the Academy’s top federal advocacy priority. The new Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6160) would provide an annual inflationary update to Medicare physician payments and ensure financial stability and predictability for physician practices beginning in 2026.
The bill was recently introduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), Gus Biliarkis (R-FL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Ami Bera, MD (D-CA), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA).
Physicians need positive, inflation-based reimbursement updates to maintain financial stability and ensure patients have continued access to care. The AADA has been strongly advocating for long-term Medicare reform that includes a positive inflationary adjustment for Medicare physician payments.
Payer Advocacy
Upcoming formulary prior authorization changes to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s federal employee coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Program (FEP) will remove Dupixent, Cibinqo, Tezspire, Nemluvio, Cinqair, and Cosentyx from FEP Blue Basic and Blue Standard formularies effective Jan. 1, 2026. Patients will need their physician to submit a formulary exception form (PDF), with prior authorization required for new prescriptions or for patients who do not currently have prior authorization on file. If the formulary exception form is denied, physicians may appeal the decision. However, if the appeal is denied, patients will have to pay out‑of‑pocket or, for patients prescribed Dupixent, have their physician enroll them in the Dupixent My Way program. The program offers case management support to assist patients with finding affordable options to cover Dupixent.
AADA News
Podcast highlights advocacy on dermatopathology payer and regulatory challenges
In a recent Dialogues in Dermatology podcast, dermatology leaders discussed current payer advocacy challenges and strategies dermatologists can use in their practices. Dermatopathology Committee Chair Alina Bridges, MD, FAAD, and Patient Access and Payer Relations Committee Chair Ryan Hick, MD, FAAD, discussed AADA payer advocacy on current challenges and strategies dermatologists can use to address payer and regulatory hurdles. The podcast is part of the Dialogues in Dermatology practice management podcast series.
AADA News
AMA offering $1 million in community health program grants
The American Medical Association (AMA) is offering $1 million in grants as part of a new initiative to support physician efforts to improve health in their communities.
The Community Health Impact Lab Micro Grants Program will provide up to 20 physicians with $50,000 to lead projects that tackle barriers to healthy living in the communities they serve. In addition to funding, grantees will also receive guidance and support from the AMA Center for Optimal Health Outcomes. An informational webinar will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. CT.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
AADA News
Peter Friedman, MD, PhD, FAAD, hosts congressional practice visit
Dr. Peter Friedman hosted Donna Chiapperino, District Director for Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), at his practice in New City, New York in November to discuss the AADA’s advocacy agenda.
Hosting a practice visit is a great way to build a relationship with your member of Congress and educate them on the importance of Medicare physician payment reform. If you’d like to host a visit, AADA staff can help with scheduling, talking points, and tips for hosting your legislator, or use this tip sheet (PDF) to schedule your visit and let AADA staff know once it’s scheduled to help with current talking points. Contact grassroots@aad.org for more information.
AADA News
Support SkinPAC
As of Dec. 4, SkinPAC has raised $993,888 from 881 individuals. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. Help us keep up the momentum as we advocate for Medicare physician payment reform! SkinPAC helps strengthen our relationships on Capitol Hill and reinforces our grassroots and lobbying efforts
Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
The political purpose of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Political Action Committee ("SkinPAC") is to solicit and receive contributions to be used to make political campaign expenditures to those candidates for elective office, and other federal political committees, who demonstrate understanding and interest in the view and goals of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Contributions to SkinPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to SkinPAC must be made from your funds and may not be reimbursed. SkinPAC cannot accept contributions from corporate accounts. Any recommended contribution amount is merely a suggestion. All AADA members have the right to contribute more or less or refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits us from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, physical address, occupation, and name of the employer whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
