Congress Passes One-Year Delay to PAMA Implementation … Again

Original from: 360dx

Following the passage of continuing resolutions (CR) by the US Senate and the House of Representatives this week, lab test reimbursement cuts and price reporting requirements called for under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) are likely to be delayed one year.

On Wednesday, the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution that includes the implementation of PAMA by one year. Once President Joe Biden signs the bill into law, which he is expected to do before the end of the week, the PAMA price cuts slated to go into effect at the beginning of 2025 will be put off for another year. This makes the sixth year in a row Congress has passed a one-year delay to PAMA implementation.

In a statement issued Wednesday, American Clinical Laboratory Association President Susan Van Meter said that the organization is "pleased that Congress has delayed pending reductions," but added that it still hopes to see passage of permanent PAMA reform.

ACLA and other lab stakeholders have for several years advocated for the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA), which would make a number of permanent changes to PAMA supported by much of the industry.

Source: Congress Passes One-Year Delay to PAMA Implementation … Again