Advocacy News

• CAP advocacy improves special stains coverage
• Senate fails to reverse Trump tariffs
• CAP to Administration: Keep CLIA, improve reimbursement, support workforce proposals
• GAO report warns of threats to genomic data
• White House offers 2026 budget cuts
• Unlock opportunities at CAP events

Cigna Government Services, the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Ohio and Kentucky, expands coverage for special histochemical stains and immunohistochemical stains.

Why it matters: The updates enhance testing options across subspecialties like breast, lung, and prostate pathology.

• The CAP and its members worked for several years to effect these changes. They are a direct response to the CAP’s formal reconsideration request initiated in December 2021.

What's next: The revised local coverage determination (LCD), effective June 7, 2025, expands coverage for Lynch Syndrome tumor screening and MMR/MSI testing, providing greater flexibility and clearer guidance for pathologists.

• The CAP anticipates Noridian will adopt the new revisions, aligning with other MACs in improving coverage.

Go deeper: CAP members should familiarize themselves with the new documentation requirements for the revised LCD. Learn more about the changes.

A symbolic vote in the Senate last week failed to reverse President Trump's 10% tariffs on imported goods.

Why it matters: CAP members are concerned about the impact of rising costs on pathology services. 

The details: GOP Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Rand Paul (R-KY) voted with Democrats, but the resolution failed in a 49-49 tie vote.

The big picture: Senate GOP leadership pressured moderates, emphasizing the measure would undo tariffs on China.

• A similar resolution on Canada tariffs passed with some GOP support.

Zoom in: At the 2025 House of Delegates and Pathologists Leadership Summit, pathologists said rising costs of lab supplies are evidence that new US trade policies are starting to impact laboratory budgets.

The CAP is considering legislation to allow the President, with Congressional approval, to negotiate lower trade barriers and diversify imports for medical supplies. 

• The CAP is also working with other groups to highlight the risks of tariffs on medical supplies.

The CAP wants the Trump administration to support measures that would improve pathology services for patients, according to letters sent to key officials.

Regulatory priorities: Letters to CMS and FDA leaders outline CAP priorities intended to ensure quality pathology services and improve safety for patients.

• The CAP highlighted the importance of retaining current CLIA statutes, ensuring sustainable reimbursement models for pathology services, and addressing pathologist workforce shortages.

What's next: The CAP has requested meetings with officials to discuss these priorities and explore ways to work together to advance these proposals.

Go deeper: Read the CAP's letters to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary, MD, MPH. 

A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) warns of potential risks to Americans' genomic data from foreign testing entities, suggesting better risk assessment standards and training.

Why it matters: Enhanced tracking of foreign testing entities can prevent unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive data.

Recommendations for action: GAO urges health officials to improve monitoring of genetic services tied to foreign entities and bolster data security measures.

The White House proposed significant cuts to discretionary programs for fiscal year 2026, emphasizing a shift in spending priorities.

Why it matters: The Administration says the cuts will save trillions of dollars over the next decade.

What's In the Budget:

• Cuts $18 billion from NIH.
• Eliminates CDC programs for cancer and chronic disease reporting programs, and the Public Health Preparedness and Response program.
• Does not provide specific information on resources that the FDA will receive.

The big picture: The budget reflects the administration's focus on national security while reducing the size of government.

What's next: Congress will review the proposal, but lawmakers are expected to develop their own spending plan.

CAP events offer the opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn. Consider attending one or more of these events.

• Pathology on the Coast: This unique learning opportunity offers up to 16 CME credits and time each day to relax on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The program is scheduled for June 9–12. Save your seat.
• Engaged Leadership Academy: The program offers attendees the chance to build leadership skills in a collaborative and fun environment. It is set for June 28–29 at the CAP offices in Northfield, Illinois. Sign up now.
• CAP25: Members can network with peers, build new professional connections, and learn the latest approaches to the specialty at The Pathologists’ Meeting. It happens September 13–16 in Orlando, Florida. Register today.