RESULTS Act Introduced to Protect Patient Access to Laboratory Testing

On September 10^th, the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act was introduced in the House by Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Scott Peters (D-CA), and in the Senate by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

Without congressional action, about 820 laboratory tests face Medicare payment cuts of up to 15 percent beginning January 1, 2026—reductions that would threaten patient access to routine and life-saving diagnostics.

This bipartisan legislation builds on the strong foundation of the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA) and incorporates updated provisions to create a more accurate Medicare payment system for laboratory services. Key provisions would:

• Ensure fair Medicare rates by leveraging an independent not-for-profit commercial claims database for widely available tests and laboratory reporting for non-widely available tests.
• Reduce administrative burden on both clinical laboratories and CMS while preventing deep pending cuts and mitigating future reductions.
• Support diagnostic innovation by providing long-term reimbursement stability, enabling laboratories to continue delivering advanced testing for conditions including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

ADLM is currently evaluating the bill. The association has consistently advocated for sustainable reform to the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) and welcomes legislation to stabilize reimbursement policy, protect access to testing, and foster continued innovation.