Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) is introducing a bipartisan, bicameral bill to protect seniors' access to laboratory testing for new medications.
For additional context, the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule is the system by which the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) pays for clinical diagnostic lab tests, based on the weighted median of private payor rates (fee schedule), and is updated every three years.
Upcoming cuts to this system are expected in January 2026, which would slow the system down and threaten timely access to medical care for seniors, which the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act seeks to prevent.
"Strong clinical laboratories are vital to delivering high-quality care, especially for seniors who depend on timely testing to maintain their health," Rep. Bilirakis said in a statement. "The RESULTS Act will protect access to these essential services and help ensure that families in Florida—and across the country—can continue to receive the care they need."
Joining Rep. Bilirakis in introducing the bill are Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC), Scott Peters (D-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), while Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are introducing the Senate companion bill.
"Access to quality clinical labs is essential to keeping our seniors living long, healthy lives," Sen. Warnock commented. "I'm proud to partner with my colleague Senator Tillis to put forward this legislative fix that will help ensure Georgia seniors will continue to have access to high-quality diagnostic services."
In August, Bilirakis introduced the BENES 2.0 Act, which requires the federal government to fold crucial Medicare enrollment and eligibility information into Social Security statements to individuals between the ages of 60 and 65, when they qualify for both programs, thereby making the enrollment process easier.
"BENES 2 builds on that progress by ensuring every American receives a clear, written explanation of their eligibility before they have to choose a plan," said the Florida Congressman. "This will empower seniors to make better-informed decisions about their health care. I'm proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to simplify Medicare and make it more accessible and user-friendly for older Americans."
