Advocacy - Lab Advocate
On April 11, AACC endorsed the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA). This legislation aims to reform the Medicare clinical laboratory fee schedule (CLFS), which currently uses a flawed payment methodology that results in deeper cuts in laboratory payments than Congress originally intended.
If enacted, SALSA would correct several deficiencies in the earlier statute, the Preserving Access to Medicare Act (PAMA). SALSA enables more accurate rate setting methodology through statistical sampling to ensure the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) obtains more representative payment data for setting fees. Furthermore, the measure would provide greater price stability and reduce the administrative burden of price reporting on laboratories. AACC believes these changes will result in a more streamlined, accurate payment process. The association will continue working with Congress on this important issue and remains committed to advocating for the needs of our members and their respective organizations.