WOCN LEADS EFFORT TO OPPOSE MEDICARE COMPETITIVE BIDDING

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that threatens access to essential ostomy and urological supplies by including them in the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program. If finalized, this change would limit access to clinically appropriate products, increase risks of complications, and undermine the critical role of WOC nurses in patient care. 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” 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.

To date, WOCN has taken the following action to oppose this policy:

• Submitted comments to CMS stressing our opposition to the proposed changes
• Joined a letter to Congress asking they oppose the changes
• Sent out a member alert urging WOCN members to send in their own comments opposing the policy; and directed members to include their patients by sharing the UOAA link for comments.
• Participated in numerous visits with members of Congress educating them on the dangers of the policy changes.

The Society will continue to be fully engaged in efforts to persuade CMS not to move forward with including ostomy & urological supplies in the competitive bidding program.