What is the issue behind this advocacy campaign?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2026 Home Health and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (“DMEPOS”) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) Final Rule in the Federal Register late Friday, November 28, 2025. The final rule specifies that ostomy, tracheostomy, and urological supplies are medical equipment items mandated for inclusion under the DMEPOS CBP by section 1847(a)(2)(A) of the Act.
This was not the ruling response we had hoped for. CMS has largely finalized the rule as proposed, which is disappointing given all the comments submitted and Hill activity.
For those interested in reading the complete final rule, it can be found here. Most of the ostomy language can be found on pages 492-503. CMS also released a corresponding Fact Sheet for the DMEPOS CBP which can be found here.
The rule change does not have any immediate effect on ostomy supplies for Medicare beneficiaries. You should continue ordering your supplies as usual. The actual change that affects how you order supplies will not begin until January 1, 2028.
We recognize that you will have many questions. We developed a FAQ sheet that will hopefully address most of your questions.
Importantly, UOAA will continue to advocate and work with stakeholders to protect access to ostomy and urological supplies. Our work is not done!
What is Competitive Bidding?
The Medicare Competitive Bidding Program was created to lower Medicare spending on selected medical equipment and supplies by forcing suppliers to compete for limited contracts in designated areas. CMS awards contracts to the suppliers who bid the lowest most competitive price.
How does this affect access to ostomy supplies?
When this ruling goes into effect in 2028, it may harm patients and put their 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. Inclusion in this program could seriously impact the quality of life of people who live with an ostomy or rely on urological supplies.
What if you only had access to one product or one brand? What if the products that you use for your pouching system aren’t sold by the suppliers who win the “bid” with CMS?
The ruling will restrict you to a limited number of suppliers leading to reduced access and lower quality products jeopardizing your ability to effectively manage your ostomy. You may not be able to get the specific products vital for your health, which could lead to serious health consequences. You will lose your freedom of choice. Additionally, there is the potential that this could override your healthcare professional’s prescribed treatment plan and disrupt your care.
Read this OpEd published in the Washington Times and read this OpEd published in MedPage Today explaining why these supplies should be protected and excluded from the Competitive Bidding Program. Here’s another good article explaining why CMS is playing a dangerous game with these prosthetic devices.
Although, CMS states in this Competitive Bidding Fact Sheet that the “Competitive Bidding Program includes a special beneficiary safeguard to ensure that beneficiaries have access to specific brands or modes of delivery of competitively bid items in the product category when needed to avoid an adverse medical outcome.”, UOAA remains concerned. We hope to work with CMS and share recommendations for stronger enhanced safeguards that should be implemented if this moves forward.
Voices That Matter
Real patients and clinicians share why access to ostomy supplies is essential to health, dignity, and daily life.
How are Ostomy Supplies Currently Covered Under Medicare?
Medicare Part B covers Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). As stated in the Local Coverage Determination Ostomy Supply Policy A52487, ostomy supplies are covered under the Prosthetic Device benefit (Social Security Act Section 1861(s)(8)).
Under the Social Security Act, ostomy and urological supplies are rightly categorized and defined as prosthetic devices (§1861(s)(8)) as they are restoring the lost organ functions of biological waste storage and elimination —and as such, were specifically excluded from CBP by Congress under §1847(a)(2)(A).
Congress deliberately confined the scope of the CBP to three specific categories:
- DME (durable medical equipment) and medical supplies used in conjunction with DME;
- Enteral nutrients, equipment, and supplies and;
- Off-the-shelf orthotics (no custom fabricated or fit orthotics or prosthetics)
In this ruling, CMS appears to advance an interpretation of the statute that ostomy and urological supplies fall under the first category.
Advocate Training Webinar – Your Story is Your Power
UOAA Advocacy Webinar
Advocate Training Webinar – Your Story is Your Power
Watch a recording of the event at the YouTube Link Below.
Advocacy Webinar on What CMS Competitive Bidding Could Mean for You
UOAA Advocacy Webinar
Protecting Access to Ostomy and Catheter Supplies – What CMS Competitive Bidding Could Mean for You
Watch a recording of the event at the YouTube Link Below.
🔗 UOAA 2026 Efforts and Additional Resources
- Link to UOAA Position Statement
- Link to Understanding Competitive Bidding Impact on Ostomy Supplies
- UOAA’s action alert to increase the number of signers to a Congressional sign-on letter led by Rep. Smith (R-NJ) asking CMS to delay inclusion of ostomy supplies and catheters in the Competitive Bidding Program resulted in 586 messages being sent. Of important note, the Representative to receive the most letters from constituent advocates was Rep. Pocan (D-WI) and he did sign the letter. Grassroots advocacy does make an impact!
- Link to Sign-on letter from Congress Sent to Dr. Oz on March 16
- Link to Sign-On letter from the ITEM Coalition to Dr. Oz and other key decision makers at CMS sent on April 9, 2026
- One Page Explanation on Patient Risks of Competitive Bidding for Ostomy and Urological Supplies
- Visit KeepThemOut.org
- Visit HighCostofLowBids.org
- Toolkit for the Get Local, Get Vocal Campaign during the August-September Congressional Recess
- AAHomecare Survey Results – Potential Business and Workforce Impacts of the Competitive Bidding Program
Pressroom
- Cure Today – UOAA Advocacy Committee member Dr. Diego Schaps discussed how upcoming Medicare competitive bidding changes could affect access to ostomy supplies and why having the right pouching system matters for patients
- Cure Today – Medicare will narrow ostomy suppliers to six national contracts, and advocate Ellyn Mantell, a UOAA Patient Advisory Board member, says a poor fit can put patients in the hospital
- Cure Today interview with Bern, an ostomate in Florida: Why Ostomy Supplies are Not One Size Fits All for Cancer Survivors
- A Community Gathers for Ostomy Awareness Day Amid Threat to Medical Supplies
- FL Biz Journal – Small businesses fear shutout from new Medicare bidding rules
- Health News Florida – CMS rule change creates concern for many Medicare ostomy patients
- The Sun Times News – Chelsea Survivor Brings Michigan’s First Run for Resilience to Dexter and Raises Awareness about changes coming to how some Medicare beneficiaries obtain ostomy supplies
- OpEd from Advocacy Committee Member Dr. Diego Schaps
- OpEd from UOAA Patient Advisory Board Member Ellyn Mantell
- Originally published in the DC journal, which has up to 25 million viewers each month, UOAA Advocacy Committee Member Dr. Diego Schaps is in the press again: Don’t Let Medicare Undermine Life Saving Surgery
From UOAA’s Hill Day efforts on September 30, 2026 the following OpEds were published by UOAA advocates across the United States:
- Medicare Should Not Put Ostomy Supplies Up for Competitive Bidding – Sherri Neuwirth (NJ)
- When it Comes to Ostomy Care, the Lowest Bid Shouldn’t Decide What a Patient Gets – Theresa Johnson (SC)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Competitive Bidding – Wendy Workman (ID)
-
Ostomy Supplies Aren’t One Size Fits All – Debi Fox (OK)
- A Plan to Introduce Competitive Bidding for These Medical Products Will Hurt Patients – Scott Wuerch (WI)
- Opinion: Medicare savings should not come at the cost of ostomy care – Jennifer Kelch (MO)
We also had advocates submit Letters to the Editor in response to some of the above OpEds:
- Write Advocates Against Medicare Putting Ostomy Supplies Up for Competitive Bidding – George Salamy (NJ)
- Pending Federal Legislation Would Ensure Needed Ostomy Supplies – Mary Beth Akers (MO)
💡 Visit UOAA’s Action Center
Alongside many stakeholders, UOAA continues to advocate to keep your ostomy supplies and catheters out of Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). At this time, please help us get co-sponsors for H.R. 10787 “Access to Medical Supplies Act” which would delay the inclusion of these supplies in the CBP. Learn how to urge your Representatives to become a co-sponsor on our Action Center here.
Keep checking back for more updates or join UOAA’s Advocacy Network for updates.
Your success as a patient advocate has everything to do with how you tell your story. This workbook will guide you through exercises to help you craft your personal story for when you advocate with your elected officials.
Thank you for your dedication in helping us protect access to ostomy supplies and catheters.
📚 UOAA is collecting stories
UOAA is also collecting stories to use in our advocacy materials such as federal comments, handouts with key decision-makers, social media graphics and more. You can submit your story to us on our #MyAccessMatters web page.
Do you have a personal relationship with your Federal Senator or Congressperson? If yes, please contact UOAA’s Advocacy Manager at advocacy@ostomy.org.
👍 Get Social!
You can also help raise awareness on your social media platforms.
Use the hashtags: #MyAccessMatters and #CompetitiveBidding
Download and share the following social media graphics on your social media platforms with your own message!
📣 Join the National Movement!
Your access matters! “Patients need the right fit, not the lowest bid.” Please visit the website: www.highcostoflowbids.org to join the national movement and learn about other ways to get involved.
Thank You For Your Interest In
UOAA Advocacy Efforts
Please contact us to let us know the issues that are important to you at 1-800-826-0826 or email our Advocacy Manager at advocacy@ostomy.org. You can also follow our advocacy efforts on Twitter @UOAA_Advocate.
Advocates for a Positive Change
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
