U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Services (RESULTS) Act. The legislation aims to reform Medicare’s Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule in order to protect seniors’ access to routine and lifesaving laboratory tests.
“Clinical labs are the backbone of modern medicine, providing diagnostics and detections to inform decisions and give patients and doctors the answers they need,” said Rep. Hudson. “By passing the RESULTS Act, we can stop devastating cuts that would have threatened access to routine and lifesaving tests. This bipartisan bill delivers stability, cuts red tape, and ensures seniors and families can continue to count on timely, accurate results. I’m proud to have led this fight and deliver a commonsense solution that protects patients and strengthens care.”
Hudson has served as U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 9th district since 2013, after replacing Larry Kissell. He was born in Franklin, Virginia in 1971, is currently 51 years old, resides in Southern Pines, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in 1996.
The current system sets reimbursement rates for clinical laboratory tests based on data from less than one percent of labs. While Congress has delayed potential payment cuts several times, advocates warn that without permanent changes there could be increasing reductions that threaten patient care.
The RESULTS Act proposes allowing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use comprehensive private claims data when establishing payment rates for widely available tests. The bill seeks to reduce administrative burdens on laboratories, prevent destabilizing payment cuts by capping future reductions at five percent per year once fully implemented in 2029, freeze rates at 2025 levels during implementation, exclude non-market Medicaid managed care rates from calculations, extend reporting intervals from three to four years, and maintain direct reporting only for certain specialized tests.
Susan Van Meter, President of the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA), stated: “Clinical laboratory services, from the most routine to those driving personalized medicine, are indispensable to clinicians and patients. ACLA is grateful to the bipartisan sponsors of the RESULTS Act for advancing a smart solution that brings stability and ensures seniors get the essential results they deserve.”
Mark S. Birenbaum, Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Independent Laboratory Association (NILA), said: “Many common tests are facing cuts of up to 15 percent. Without immediate reform, regional and community labs could be forced to close, leaving patients without access to critical testing. NILA applauds the bipartisan introduction of the RESULTS Act and urges swift passage.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick emphasized: “I’ve long championed early detection as the cornerstone of prevention and quality care. Through my work with PA-1 health advocates and partners, I know how critical clinical labs are to keeping our seniors healthy and strengthening our health system. Without ensuring a sustainable solution, labs will close, care will be delayed, and our seniors will pay the price. The RESULTS Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution to block these cuts, protect essential services, and ensure seniors across the country have access to timely care.”
Rep. Gus Bilirakis added: “Strong clinical laboratories are vital to delivering high-quality care, especially for seniors who depend on timely testing to maintain their health… 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.”
Rep. Scott Peters noted: “Clinical labs drive innovation in health care… The RESULTS Act protects access to these essential services and ensures our health system can keep pace with the needs of patients… I’m proud to support this effort.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamorthi stated: “Seniors across America rely on timely accurate lab tests… The RESULTS Act ensures those services remain accessible… while fostering innovation in our health system… I’m proud…to safeguard this lifeline for families in Illinois and nationwide.”
Senator Thom Tillis commented: “It is critically important that seniors have uninterrupted access… The Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates …Act is a necessary step toward ensuring this access….”
Senator Raphael Warnock concluded: “Access to quality clinical labs is essential …I’m proud …to put forward this legislative fix that will help ensure Georgia seniors will continue …access …services.”
The full text of the bill can be found here: [LINK]
