ACLA Applauds Congressional Action to Delay Medicare Cuts, Urges Long-Term Reform
Washington, D.C.— The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) today commended Congress for including much-needed relief from looming Medicare payment cuts to clinical laboratory services in the short-term spending package passed on Wednesday, September 25.
The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 provides a critical one-year reprieve from Medicare cuts of up to 15 percent for approximately 800 laboratory services that were slated to take effect in January 2025. Without this delay, these drastic cuts would have jeopardized patient access to vital diagnostic testing across the country and slowed the pace of diagnostic innovation. This action marks the fifth time Congress has delayed Medicare cuts to clinical laboratories, following multiple years of deep reductions.
“We are pleased that Congress has delayed pending reductions, recognizing the harm repeated Medicare reductions would have on the nation’s health care system that relies on clinical laboratory testing every day to inform patient care,” said ACLA President Susan Van Meter. “This is a welcome step to ensuring patients can continue to rely on timely and accurate diagnostic services.”
ACLA deeply appreciates the steadfast support from bipartisan and bicameral members of Congress who continue to champion long-term payment reform, working together to secure a lasting solution to stabilize the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule.
“There is widespread and bipartisan recognition that long-term reform is urgently needed,” added Van Meter. “A sustainable reform of the Medicare payment system for clinical laboratory services is vital to protect and enhance patient care, foster innovation, and ensure the stability of clinical laboratories nationwide.”
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The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) is the national trade association representing leading laboratories that deliver essential diagnostic health information to patients and providers by advocating for policies that expand access to the highest quality clinical laboratory services, improve patient outcomes, and advance the next generation of personalized care.
