WOCN Sends Comments to CMS Urging Update on Ostomy Supply Coverage

WOCN sent comments to CMS’s call for comments about Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT). CMS is hoping to streamline the process to allow for better coverage of medically necessary supplies for beneficiaries. WOCN provided a number of examples to CMS about coverage gaps in ostomy supplies that are currently preventing beneficiaries from receiving quality supplies. WOCN believes that these coverage gaps for ostomy supplies represent examples of medical product advances that have been withheld from beneficiaries because of gaps in coverage policy for these innovative products. As surgical technology has advanced and varied over the last 25 years, so have the needs of the patient who has a bowel or bladder diversion. WOCN is encouraging CMS to take steps to close these coverage gaps.