Understanding the Medicare Competitive Bidding Ruling

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2026 Home Health and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (“DMEPOS”) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) Final Rule in the Federal Register late Friday, November 28, 2025. The final rule specifies that ostomy, tracheostomy, and urological supplies are medical equipment items mandated for inclusion under the DMEPOS CBP by section 1847(a)(2)(A) of the Act.

This was not the ruling response we had hoped for. CMS has largely finalized the rule as proposed, which is disappointing given all the comments submitted and Hill activity.

For those interested in reading the complete final rule, it can be found here. Most of the ostomy language can be found on pages 492-503. CMS also released a corresponding Fact Sheet for the DMEPOS CBP which can be found here.

The rule change does not have any immediate effect on ostomy supplies for Medicare beneficiaries. You should continue ordering your supplies as usual. The actual change that affects how you order supplies will not begin until January 1, 2028.

UOAA recognizes that you will have many questions. UOAA developed a FAQ sheet that will hopefully address most of your questions.

Importantly, UOAA will continue to advocate and work with stakeholders to protect access to ostomy and urological supplies. Our work is not done!