Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act

3/12/2024, 10:17 AM

Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act

This bill modifies provisions relating to Medicare payment rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, including by requiring payment rates for certain widely available clinical diagnostic laboratory tests to be based on a statistical sampling of private sector rates.

Bill 118 s 1000, also known as the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to address concerns regarding access to laboratory services for patients across the country.

The bill aims to prevent cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates for laboratory services, which could potentially lead to reduced access to these important medical tests for patients. By maintaining current reimbursement rates, the bill seeks to ensure that patients continue to have access to the necessary laboratory services they need for diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act includes provisions to improve transparency and oversight of laboratory services, in order to ensure that patients are receiving high-quality and accurate test results. This includes requirements for laboratories to report data on the tests they perform, as well as measures to prevent fraud and abuse in the provision of these services. Overall, the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act is aimed at protecting and preserving access to essential laboratory services for patients, while also promoting accountability and quality in the delivery of these services. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need, while opponents raise concerns about the potential costs and impact on the healthcare system.
Congress
118

Number
S - 1000

Introduced on
2023-03-28

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/28/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act

This bill modifies provisions relating to Medicare payment rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, including by requiring payment rates for certain widely available clinical diagnostic laboratory tests to be based on a statistical sampling of private sector rates.

Bill 118 s 1000, also known as the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to address concerns regarding access to laboratory services for patients across the country.

The bill aims to prevent cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates for laboratory services, which could potentially lead to reduced access to these important medical tests for patients. By maintaining current reimbursement rates, the bill seeks to ensure that patients continue to have access to the necessary laboratory services they need for diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act includes provisions to improve transparency and oversight of laboratory services, in order to ensure that patients are receiving high-quality and accurate test results. This includes requirements for laboratories to report data on the tests they perform, as well as measures to prevent fraud and abuse in the provision of these services. Overall, the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act is aimed at protecting and preserving access to essential laboratory services for patients, while also promoting accountability and quality in the delivery of these services. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need, while opponents raise concerns about the potential costs and impact on the healthcare system.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the accuracy of market-based Medicare payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, to reduce administrative burdens in the collection of data, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Government information and archives
Health care costs and insurance
Health information and medical records
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Medicare

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary4/19/2023

Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act

This bill modifies provisions relating to Medicare payment rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, including by requiring payment rates for certain widely available clinical diagno...


Latest Action3/28/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.