WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) is spearheading a Congressional sign-on letter to CMS Administrator Oz seeking to delay Competitive Bidding (CB) for ostomy and urological supplies. Delaying implementation of the proposed bidding protocols for these products will allow for a thorough review of serious concerns arising from their potential inclusion in the CB program.
The letter emphasizes the importance of proper fitting and individual support associated with these products, noting that: “Wound, ostomy, and continence clinicians across the country emphasize that these products cannot be managed with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ assumption. The precise fit and clinical appropriateness of these devices are matters of life and death.”
Another issue raised involves guidance from the DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule that starts the bidding process in spring 2026, with the letter noting that “this abbreviated timeline is particularly alarming to clinicians and patient advocates given that these specific items have never been subject to national competitive bidding.”
The letter also expresses concern adding these supplies to the bidding program will not offer significant cost savings and will instead result in “preventable hospitalizations and complications,” leading to “enormous costs in Medicare Part A—far exceeding any savings realized through proposed, uncertain Part B reductions.”
DME companies who furnish these supplies are encouraged to ask their Representative to join the sign-on letter to delay implementation of Competitive Bidding for ostomy and urological products.
Advocates are urged to share the letter with the Congressional staffer who handles healthcare issues and ask the Representative to join the letter. Share the link below with them (copy and paste) so they can see the letter and sign on:
https://quill.senate.gov/letters/letter/32069/opt-in/view/a5839a84-f078-42d4-a7ca-5ee6a0201d34/
Note: you will not be able to open that link, but Congressional staff can access it to see and sign-on to the letter for their office. View the full letter here.
A pre-drafted Voter Voice message is also available. You are encouraged to edit it to reflect your experience supporting patients who utilize ostomy and urological supplies. You can also share the Voter Voice link with your colleagues and patients and ask them to take action.
The letter is expected to close on Feb. 20, so please contact your legislator today. This is a House-only sign-on letter; there is no need to contact your Senators at this time.
Contact Gordon Barnes at [email protected] if you need contact info for your healthcare staffer, or would like a PDF attachment of the letter to share, or for any other assistance in developing and delivering your message.
