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- January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
In this Issue:
Congress proposes delay to Medicare lab cuts
Legislators have introduced a bill to fund health care and other government programs through 2026, which includes postponing Medicare reductions on clinical lab services.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 would delay cuts of up to 15% to clinical laboratory tests until January 1, 2027.
- New Medicare clinical lab rates would be based on private payer data collected between May 1 and July 31 of this year.
- This reprieve would allow the CAP and its allies to continue advocating for the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act of 2025.
Other key provisions include:
- An extension of the Medicare incentive payments for physicians participating in an alternative payment model
- $53.4 million for cancer registries
Yes, but: The health package does not include legislation delaying the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) efficiency adjustment that started on January 1, and which reduces payments by 2.5%.
What's next: Congress still has time to act. Keep the momentum going by using our Action Alert Center to tell Congress to:
Trump Health Care Plan
On January 15, President Trump proposed a new plan to lower health care costs.
- The Great Healthcare Plan, which aims to lower the costs of drugs and insurance premiums, comes as Congress continues its work on bills to fully fund the government before February 1.
Examining health care affordability for seniors
On Thursday, the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the Ways and Means Committee will hold joint hearings on "Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of Health Insurance Affordability."
What's next: On the docket is the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that the CAP has championed.
- If passed, the bill would reduce burdensome prior authorization requirements that interfere with pathology services, improving care for millions of older adults.
CAP members can contact their representatives and encourage them to support the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
US freezes new immigrant visas for some countries
Last week, the State Department announced that it’s pausing the processing of immigrant visas and new permanent resident applications from 75 countries.
The impact: The pause is not intended to affect anyone who is already in the United States with a valid status, a visa issued prior to the pause, a student or tourist visa, or a diplomatic/humanitarian exemption.
- It also won’t affect anyone currently seeking a non-immigrant visa, such as a temporary tourist, student, or business visa.
- The pause is effective January 21.
Background: This comes after the Trump administration proposed limiting visa terms and changing fees for certain visa applications.
The CAP previously joined other medical organizations in calling for a fair and efficient immigration process that provides a clear pathway for international physicians.
- We will continue to monitor the new policy’s effect on visas for international medical graduates.
Pathologists unite at leadership summit
Join us at the annual House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit, April 25–28, in Washington, DC. This premier event brings together pathologists from across the country for advocacy, collaboration, strategic discussion, and leadership development.
As a cornerstone CAP forum, the summit advances advocacy efforts, supports professional growth, and addresses critical issues shaping the future of pathology. Join your colleagues in reinforcing the vital role of pathologists in patient care and the evolving health care landscape, and in advocating on behalf of the specialty during the annual Hill Day.
Participants will also have opportunities to network and engage in the work that continues to advance pathology.
CAP26: Register early and save now
It’s not too early to register for The Pathologists' Meeting, a prestigious annual event designed with you in mind! This meeting is another opportunity to network and engage with peers, share insights, and discuss the future of pathology.
- When: October 3–6
- Where: Wynn Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
- Details: Register today to lock in the early bird rate and share with your colleagues!