Advocacy Update April 7, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / April 7, 2026
Scope Win: New Hampshire governor vetoes optometric scope expansion
Contact your federal lawmaker to back reducing budget neutrality impact on physician payments
Scope Advocacy
Scope Win: New Hampshire governor vetoes optometric scope expansion
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed HB 349, which would have allowed optometrists to perform surgery using lasers. AADA urged (PDF) the governor’s veto in a letter on Feb. 27, 2026. Governor Ayotte’s veto message cites concerns for patient safety.
Payer Advocacy
Coordinated BCBS Michigan modifier 25 advocacy continues
The AADA is working closely with the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), the Michigan Dermatology Society (MDS), the American Medical Association (AMA), and other specialty societies to coordinate advocacy efforts related to modifier 25. This included a call with Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan (BCBSM) urging the carrier to rescind its policy. During the call, BCBSM heard concerns about code valuation presented by the AMA, while dermatologists and other specialties provided examples on how the BCBSM policy would impact patient access and physician payment.
In addition to meeting with BCBSM, advocacy included BCBSM board physician outreach and outreach to state and federal legislators to inform them of the BCBSM policy. Additionally, a grassroots campaign was created for Michigan physicians to contact BCBSM.
Grassroots
Contact your federal lawmaker to back reducing budget neutrality impact on physician payments
Recent AADA-endorsed legislation introduced in the U.S. House would advance one of the Academy’s major Medicare goals, addressing budget neutrality requirements which have driven cuts in Medicare physician payment in recent years. Tell your member of Congress to support this new legislation today!
AADA News
Support SkinPAC to elect dermatology champions
Your contribution today will help ensure we have the resources we need to fight to reform Medicare physician payment in Congress. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777.
SkinPAC helps strengthen our relationships on Capitol Hill and reinforces our grassroots and lobbying efforts. Membership dues money cannot be used for political purposes, so your personal contribution to SkinPAC is critical. As of April 2, SkinPAC has raised $484,855 from 485 individuals. 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.
