This topic is about a call to action from the United Ostomy Association of America (UOAA) regarding a proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The rule suggests including ostomy and urological supplies in the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program, which could have significant impacts on those who rely on these supplies. Here’s what you need to know and do:

- The proposed change might lead to fewer suppliers participating in Medicare, limit the choice of brands, reduce the quality of products, and potentially harm patient health. Ostomy supplies are very personalized and prescribed by physicians, so any changes could be problematic.

- The UOAA has set up a page with background information and a portal for submitting comments at https://www.ostomy.org/take-action/. They have also provided a sample comment letter that emphasizes the need for customized products and requests CMS to reconsider including ostomy/urological supplies in the rule.

- If you are part of the U.S. ostomy community, it’s important to personalize the sample letter with your own experiences and submit your comments as soon as possible.

For those looking to submit a comment, here’s how you can do it by the deadline of August 29, 2025:

1. Visit the official rule page on the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/02/2025-12347/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-calendar-year-2026-home-health-prospective-payment-system-hh-pps-rate
2. Click on “Submit a public comment.”
3. Use the UOAA sample or the ConvaTec template, and add personal details about your condition, the specific products you use, and the potential consequences of reduced access.

ConvaTec has also sent out an email alert highlighting the risks and providing the same sample letter. They remind customers that while current orders are safe, future access could be jeopardized.

When writing your comment, consider including:

- The exact types of products, brands, part numbers, or special features you depend on (for example, a ConvaTec convex wafer versus a flat wafer).
- Any medical issues that could occur if you have to switch products, such as leakage, skin breakdown, infections, or loss of independence.
- The economic and quality-of-life impacts if suppliers leave the Medicare market.

There are also ideas for collective action:

- Encourage every ostomate to submit a comment, even if they are not currently on Medicare.
- One community member humorously suggested mailing an ostomy product to the White House as a form of protest, though this is not an organized campaign.