Medicare supply procurement changes raise concerns for ostomy patient care stability
A study by the United Ostomy Associations of America and Duke University suggests that upcoming Medicare competitive bidding rules may disrupt access to essential, specialized medical supplies.
The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), in partnership with Duke University, has released findings from a survey of 2,504 Medicare beneficiaries, highlighting the risks associated with the upcoming 2028 Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for ostomy supplies. The data establishes a baseline for patient experiences, demonstrating that the current stability of many patients relies on consistent access to specialized equipment.
Under the new policy, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to reduce the number of authorized ostomy supply providers from over 800 to just six. UOAA leadership argues that this model treats individualized medical devices as interchangeable commodities. Survey data supports this, with 93.7% of respondents who tested alternative brands reporting that those substitutes were ineffective.
The research links previous supply disruptions—such as shipment delays or forced substitutions—to increased occurrences of leakage, peristomal skin complications, and emergency room visits. In light of these findings, the UOAA is supporting the Access to Medical Supplies Act, which proposes a five-year exemption for ostomy supplies from the Medicare bidding program to ensure continuity of care.