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- House Budget Bill Fails to Stop Medicare Cuts
In a House legislative proposal to continue government funding to September 30, 2025, lawmakers failed to reverse Medicare payment rate cuts to pathologists and other physicians that took effect January 1 of this year. The CAP criticized the proposal released on March 8 for neglecting to stop the Medicare cuts, which threatens patients' access to pathology services.
Pathologists should go to the PathNET Action Center to urge Congress to fix the cuts.
"Over the last six years, Medicare payment rates for pathologists have decreased by more than 7% while costs for laboratory supplies, lab personnel, and other overhead expenses have increased over 17%," said CAP President Donald Karcher, MD, FCAP. "The long-term viability of pathology practices is at risk if our services for Medicare patients continue to be cut as inflation continues to rise. In the short term, Congress must provide temporary relief until a permanent fix can be enacted."
House lawmakers promised physicians in December 2024 that they would address the 2025 payment rate cuts in the March continuing resolution (CR).
The CAP is still pressing Congress for action. The CAP joined a coalition letter signed by 113 physician associations urging leadership in Congress to keep their promises.
American Medical Association President Bruce A. Scott, MD, said Congress is abandoning physicians and Medicare patients by not addressing the cut. "Congress has failed physicians," Dr. Scott said, "and Medicare patients will pay the price."
At the time of print, a vote is expected in the House on legislation. The House and Senate must act and the President must sign the legislation to avoid a government shutdown on Friday, March 14.
The CAP will continue monitoring and will update members as information becomes available.