The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a proposed rule that could have devastating consequences for patients who rely on ostomy, tracheostomy, and urological supplies. Under the proposed Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update, CMS is seeking to reclassify these supplies as “items” in order to justify their inclusion in the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.
WOCN has a long and clear history of opposing this policy and now, we need every member to raise their voice.
BACKGROUND
Under the CBP, suppliers submit bids to provide items within defined geographic areas, known as Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs). These areas are selected based on the Medicare population and potential for cost savings. Bidders who win a contract must agree to provide all items within a product category. Medicare beneficiaries in CBAs must use contracted suppliers, and payment is based on Single Payment Amounts (SPAs) derived from the winning bids—replacing the traditional fee schedule. This system limits beneficiary access to high-quality, brand-name, and customizable appliances and services. Suppliers may no longer be able to provide products that meet individual needs, and may instead offer cheaper, non-customizable alternatives. Product selection will be based on cost—not clinical appropriateness—resulting in “one-size-fits-all” options that may lead to device-related complications.
Why This Matters
Including ostomy and urological supplies in the CBP would:
- Jeopardize patient access to brand-specific, clinically appropriate products.
- Promote one-size-fits-all devices over tailored solutions—compromising care and safety.
- Increase risks of complications, including peristomal skin injury, infection, and hospitalization.
- Diminish the essential clinical role of WOC nurses and supplier partners in product selection, education, and follow-up.
These products are prosthetic devices, not generic equipment. The proposed change disregards their medical complexity and the individualized care they require.
Call to Action
Submit Your Comments to CMS Today
Let CMS know this proposal is unacceptable. Please submit comments opposing this proposal here, and encourage your patients to do the same through the UOAA Grassroots Portal.
The deadline to comment is August 29, 2025—but we urge you to act now. Your comment, and your patients’ voices, can make a difference.
Talking Points to Consider
In 2018, WOCN® published a position statement outlining our concerns with including these products in competitive bidding. We encourage you to review it for additional background. When submitting your comments, consider including the following key points:
- Ostomy and urological supplies are highly individualized prosthetics, not interchangeable medical items.
- Competitive bidding limits access to the right products, threatening patient safety and outcomes.
- The proposal would increase complications and long-term healthcare costs.
- WOC nurses play an essential role in proper fitting, education, and clinical monitoring—this proposal undermines that care model.
- CMS must withdraw the proposal and protect access to specialized prosthetic supplies.
Use your voice. Protect access. Defend our patients.
Together, we can stop this harmful policy.