Revising phase-in of medicare clinical laboratory test payment changes

(a) Revised phase-in of reductions from private payor rate implementation Section 1834A(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(b)(3)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2028 and inserting 2029; and (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (ii), by striking 2025 and for the period beginning on January 1, 2026, and ending on January 30, 2026 and inserting 2026; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period beginning on January 31, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2026, and for each of 2027 and 2028 and inserting each of 2027 through 2029. (b) Revised data collection period for reporting of private sector payment rates for establishment of medicare payment rates Section 1834A(a)(4)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(a)(4)(B)) is amended by striking 2019 each place it appears and inserting 2025 in each such place. (c) Revised reporting period for reporting of private sector payment rates for establishment of medicare payment rates Section 1834A(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(a)(1)(B)) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by striking January 31 and inserting April 30; and (2) in clause (ii), by striking February 1, 2026, and ending April 30, 2026 and inserting May 1, 2026, and ending July 31, 2026. (d) Implementation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may implement the amendments made by this section by program instruction or otherwise.