CMS issues preliminary 2027 clinical laboratory fee schedule rates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released preliminary calendar year 2027 Medicare clinical laboratory fee schedule payment rates. The rates are based on the weighted median of private payer rates for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory test codes. The public has 30 days to review and submit comments to CMS on the preliminary CY 2027 CLFS rates, as the final rates are scheduled to be published in November. The AHA is concerned that the 2027 preliminary rates for laboratory services would impose steep cuts of up to 15% on almost 1,200 laboratory tests on the Medicare CLFS based on incomplete commercial market data. The association previously discussed these cuts in its October 2025 letter while expressing support for the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services Act (RESULTS Act) H.R. 5269 /S. 2761, legislation that would reform the Medicare CLFS.