The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) has proposed a 4.7% reduction to cataract facility fees in its 2026 ASC and hospital outpatient rule. The result would be a cut of approximately $50-60 per case, notes The Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society (OOSS).

While OOSS says it will submit detailed comments to CMS objecting to this proposed reduction, the agency urges surgeons and clinical staff to contact CMS as well while there is still time. CMS is accepting public comments until Monday, September 15.

In their comments, members should describe the impact the decrease would have on patient care, OOSS states. The agency provided more detailed suggestions for talking points in a September 9 email to members. To submit your comment to CMS, go to: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/CMS-2025-0306-0002, and follow the instructions. 

OOSS says it has provided suggestions for talking points to include in a September 9 For more information, see OOSS Washington Counsel Mike Romansky’s video at https://ooss.org/2025/08/28/washington-update-cms-rule-changes/.