New UOAA ostomy Medicare advocacy: act BEFORE 3/6/26

As noted in a prior post, CMS proposed a rule that became final requiring that original Medicare contracts for coverage of ostomy supplies be awarded on a low-cost competitive bidder basis:
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https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/uoaa-action-call-cms-rule-change-medicare-coverage-of-ostomy-supplies/
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Currently a US Congressman is recruiting other members in the House of Representatives to join in a letter seeking to delay competitive bidding to allow for a review of concerns. As described by UOAA (United Ostomy Associations of America):
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The letter emphasizes the importance of proper fitting and individual support associated with these products, noting that: “Wound, ostomy, and continence clinicians across the country emphasize that these products cannot be managed with a 'one-size-fits-all' assumption. The precise fit and clinical appropriateness of these devices are matters of life and death.”

Another issue raised involves guidance from the DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule that starts the bidding process in spring 2026, with the letter noting that “this abbreviated timeline is particularly alarming to clinicians and patient advocates given that these specific items have never been subject to national competitive bidding.”
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UOAA is asking all Ostomy advocates to contact their US Representatives to encourage them to sign the letter.

The letter is expected to close for signature on Feb. 20, so you need to contact your legislator ASAP. This is a House-only sign-on letter and there is no need to contact Senators at this time.

Background on the issue can be found at:
https://www.ostomy.org/understanding-the-medicare-competitive-bidding-proposal/

The proposed Congressional letter you should ask your Representative to join: https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/j_YN_jj0yMyMvgQwMI8S0Q

Link to page with an online form to help you send comments to your US Representative: https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/j_YN_jj0yMyMvgQwMI8S0Q