Advocacy Update Jan. 20, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 20, 2026
Dr. Bridges selected for Medicare Clinical Lab Diagnostic Laboratory Test Panel
AADA asked CMS to ensure Medicare Part D coverage for alopecia areata treatment
AADA News
Dr. Bridges selected for Medicare Clinical Lab Diagnostic Laboratory Test Panel
Medicare payment rates
Advanced diagnostic laboratory tests
Coverage and payment for new CLDTs
Dr. Bridges is a triple-board certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and immunodermatologist with more than 26 years of clinical, academic, and laboratory leadership experience. She has served in several leadership positions within the Academy.
Regulatory Advocacy
AADA asked CMS to ensure Medicare Part D coverage for alopecia areata treatment
The AADA urged CMS to clarify Medicare Part D coverage for medically necessary treatment (PDF) to ensure consistent coverage. It is widely recognized that alopecia areata is a non-cosmetic, autoimmune disease, which justifies Medicare Part D coverage.
The AADA noted that lack of clarity in Medicare Part D coverage policies has resulted in inconsistent and inadequate coverage for affected beneficiaries.
The AADA requested a meeting to discuss the importance of coverage for alopecia areata treatment and to share clinical perspectives on the impact of current coverage policies on patient care.
AADA News
Dermatology presence strong at AMA State Advocacy Summit
Attendees heard panels covering artificial intelligence, the corporate practice of medicine doctrine, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) preemption and state health insurance reforms, and how non-health care issues will be competing for legislators’ attention.
AADA News
Contribute to SkinPAC
Help us start the new year strongly by contributing to SkinPAC. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777.
Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
SkinPAC helps strengthen our relationships on Capitol Hill and reinforces our grassroots and lobbying efforts. Your contribution today will help ensure we have the resources we need to ramp up our fight to reform Medicare physician payment in the new Congress.
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.
