UOAA action call: CMS rule change-Medicare coverage of ostomy supplies

Posted by hardingv @hardingv, Jul 27, 2025

The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) has issued an urgent request for advocacy action by the ostomy community:

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a dangerous change: redefining ostomy and urological supplies as "medical equipment items" to include them in the Competitive Bidding Program.

What is Competitive Bidding? It's a system where suppliers bid to offer the lowest price for Medicare contracts. If applied to ostomy supplies, this means limited choices for you or your patients. Imagine being unable to obtain the correct, prescribed supplies you need to live safely and comfortably.

Why this proposal is a serious threat to health and well-being:
• Legal Overreach: Ostomy supplies are legally defined as "prosthetic devices" under the Social Security Act, not "medical equipment." CMS lacks the authority to arbitrarily change this definition.
• Patient Health at Risk: Ostomy supplies are clinically prescribed and not one-size-fits-all. A precise fit is crucial to prevent leaks, odor, and severe skin complications. Restricting you to a limited number of suppliers through competitive bidding will:
o Create Barriers to Access: You may not be able to get the specific products vital for your health.
o Disrupt Treatment and Compromise Care: Overrides your healthcare professional's prescribed treatment plan. Forces use of incompatible products, leading to complications.

United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) strongly opposes this proposal. Bottom Line: This proposal will restrict your access, remove your freedom of choice, and jeopardize your ability to effectively manage your ostomy.

CMS needs to hear from YOU – the patients, beneficiaries, and medical professionals.

Take Action TODAY! The public comment period closes at the end of August.

Here's how you can help:
• Submit your comments [see link below] and personal story to CMS. Clearly explain why this is a bad idea. Detail why access to the right products is essential for your quality of life. Emphasize the importance of precise fit and the negative impact of limited choices.
Don't wait! Protect you or your patient’s access to essential ostomy supplies!
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If you go to the following UOAA advocacy page, you can fill out an online form that will automatically submit your comments to become part of the official rulemaking record:
https://www.ostomy.org/take-action/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group.

hardingv | @hardingv | Jan 24 1:30am

Per comment above, the rule is final and is scheduled to become effective January 1, 2028.

See the UOAA 2026 FAQ attached to a post above for information. I recommend reading the FAQ, but my general understanding is as follows:

Medicare (CMS) currently has contracts with a bunch of suppliers (Byram etc). The rule would change the process so that a limited number of supplier contracts would be awarded in accordance with the lowest cost bidder rules.

Medicare would not select product manufacturers. It appears Medicare thinks one size fits all so there may be no assurance that the current variety of products will be available.

However, I have not reviewed the final rule and the UOAA FAQ suggests that you may be able to get a specific product if the prescription is written for that product.