In anticipation of pending congressional action to extend the 2% sequester reduction suspension for Medicare claims, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) instructed the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to hold all claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2021, for a short period without affecting providers’ cash flow. This will minimize the volume of claims the MACs must reprocess if Congress extends the suspension; the MACs will automatically reprocess any claims paid with the reduction applied if necessary.
The Senate passed legislation to delay a mandated 2% Medicare cut through the end of the year. Action is expected in the House when it returns from a scheduled recess next week. If Congress fails to act, the 2% cut would be effective on April 1.
The CAP has urged Congress to stop the Medicare cut from hitting pathology services.