The topic at hand is about a new rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will affect how certain medical supplies are purchased. Specifically, it involves the inclusion of ostomy, tracheostomy, and urological supplies in a competitive bidding program starting in 2026. This change is part of the DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) Competitive Bidding Program.

Here are some key points and insights related to this topic:

1. CMS has released a final rule for the 2026 Home Health and DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, which was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2025.

2. The rule requires that ostomy, tracheostomy, and urological supplies be included in the competitive bidding program as outlined in the Social Security Act.

3. The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) strongly opposed this proposal. They took several actions, such as issuing alerts, organizing events, meeting with Congressional offices, and encouraging public comments before the deadline in August 2025.

4. Despite these efforts, CMS decided to proceed with the rule as initially proposed.

5. For now, the process for ordering supplies for Medicare beneficiaries remains the same.

6. CMS has a planned schedule for implementing these changes:
- Late Summer/Fall 2027: Supplier contracts will be awarded, and education for beneficiaries will begin.
- January 1, 2028, to June 30, 2028: A six-month transition period to contract suppliers will take place.
- January 1, 2028: Changes in ordering procedures for beneficiaries will start.

7. The full text of the rule and a CMS Fact Sheet can be found on the CMS website, with specific details about ostomy supplies on pages 492–503.

8. UOAA plans to review the rule thoroughly, provide a FAQ, and continue advocacy efforts with industry partners, suppliers, coalitions, and Congressional supporters.

9. UOAA argues that these supplies should be considered prosthetic devices rather than durable medical equipment and should not be part of the competitive bidding program.

10. Forum members have expressed their gratitude for UOAA's advocacy efforts, acknowledging the outcome was expected but still disappointing. They encourage continued efforts despite the challenges.