PAMA Reform

In 2014, Congress passed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) to reform payment to clinical laboratories under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS). CMS's flawed implementation led to rates that fail to reflect private payer rates as intended, years of payment cuts, and a lack of recognition of rising inflation. Without Congressional action, more cuts will begin on January 1, 2025. ACLA urges Congress to enact long-term PAMA reform to protect access to quality laboratory diagnostics and services.