1YOUR CHOICE — AT RISK
Will you still get the supplies that work for you?
- You may face pressure to switch brands or types, even if your current one works well.
- The rings, seals and other accessories you rely on could be harder to get.
Protecting choice. Protecting access. Protecting ostomy care.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is changing how it pays for ostomy supplies.
YOUR supplies. YOUR choice. At risk.
CMS is proposing changes that could impact insurance coverage, choice and access to ostomy supplies—and how you can speak up.
Why could this matter to YOU?
2YOUR SUPPLIES — AT RISK
Will you still have access to your supplies?
- You may have to change supply companies. Your new company may not carry the products you need.
- Will you still reach someone who knows you and understands your needs?
3YOUR FUTURE — AT RISK
Could fewer choices mean fewer new solutions?
- Lower payments could put pressure on companies that make ostomy products.
- Some companies may stop making products—or have less money to create new ones.
4YOUR COSTS — AT RISK
Lower prices may not mean lower costs for YOU.
- If you cannot get the products you need through a Medicare contract supplier and buy them yourself, you could pay the full cost.
Have private insurance?
This could affect YOU, too.
Some insurance companies may follow Medicare’s changes. What happens will depend on your plan. Ask your insurer about your coverage.
These are possible risks. It does not mean you will lose your supplies. Before paying yourself, ask your care team and Medicare about getting the products you need through a covered supplier.
The basics, in plain English
What is competitive bidding?
1HOW IT WORKS
Medicare asks companies to offer prices.
- Supply companies bid to provide medical supplies.
- Medicare chooses which companies can provide them and sets how much it will pay.
2FEWER SUPPLY COMPANIES
Six planned contracts. For the whole country.
- The selected companies would provide ostomy supplies paid for by Original Medicare.
- Medicare may add more companies if needed.
3WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
You may have to change supply companies.
- If your current supplier is not selected, you may need to order from another company.
- The concern is whether you can still get the products that work for you.
4THE GOAL: LOWER COSTS
Will lower prices help YOU?
- Medicare says lower payments could reduce what people pay.
- Lower prices are only helpful if you can still get the supplies you need.
Sources: Medicare’s contract plan · Medicare’s goals
A few quick answers
Questions you may have
Do I need to change my supplies now?
No. Keep ordering your usual supplies. Watch for Medicare’s instructions as the new program gets closer.
Will I have to change supply companies?
Possibly. If your current company does not receive a Medicare contract, you may need to use another company for the supplies covered by the new program. Some exceptions may apply.
What if the new company does not carry my product?
Ask your care team for help before accepting a change that may not work for you. If a specific brand is needed to prevent a medical problem, your treating provider can request it. The supplier must provide it, work with your provider on an approved alternative, or help you find another contract supplier that provides it.
Will I have to pay for supplies myself?
Not automatically. Medicare will still cover eligible ostomy supplies. But if you buy products yourself outside the covered supplier process, you could pay the full cost. Ask Medicare and your care team about covered options first.
What should I do now?
Keep a list of your product names and numbers. Note which products have worked or failed. Talk to your care team, follow official updates and tell your lawmakers why your supplies matter.
Let’s clear things up
Myth vs. fact
1MYTH VS. FACT
“Medicare will stop covering ostomy supplies.”
Fact: The program changes which companies provide covered supplies and how much Medicare pays. It does not end ostomy supply coverage.
2MYTH VS. FACT
“Six supply companies means six product brands.”
Fact: Supply companies can carry products from several brands. Six planned contracts does not mean only six brands will be available.
3MYTH VS. FACT
“A cheaper product will work just as well for everyone.”
Fact: Every body is different. Fit, skin needs and output matter. The right product for one person may not work for another.
4MYTH VS. FACT
“Lower Medicare payments always mean I will spend less.”
Fact: Your share of a covered product’s cost may go down. But if you buy needed products yourself outside covered options, your costs could go up.
Go a little deeper, if you want to
Want to learn more?
These resources explain the changes and how you can speak up.
1Medicare (CMS)
The government agency that runs Medicare. Find official updates, important dates and rules about getting your supplies.
See Medicare Updates ↗2United Ostomy Associations
of America (UOAA)
An organization that supports people with ostomies. Read answers to common questions about these changes.
Read Common Questions ↗3Get Local. Get Vocal.
Advocacy Toolkit
A guide to speaking up for your supplies. Find talking points, sample letters and tips for contacting lawmakers.
Open the Toolkit (PDF) ↗Download the toolkit · August 2026 edition. Some numbers and program details are older. Check CMS for current rules.
4Need help with Medicare?
Contact Medicare for help with coverage, ordering supplies or a problem with your supplier.
1-800-633-4227
(1-800-MEDICARE)
A new bill. A clear way to help.
H.R. 10787 — Access to Medical Supplies Act
Ask your U.S. representative to help protect access to the supplies you need.
1WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO
A five-year pause.
The bill would pause Medicare competitive bidding for ostomy and urological supplies from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2032. It would require studies and patient protections, including limits on pressure to switch brands and a way to get needed supplies from another supplier.
2WHERE IT STANDS
Introduced. Not yet law.
Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) introduced the bill on October 9, 2026, with Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) as an original cosponsor. It was sent to two House committees for review.
3WHAT IS A COSPONSOR?
A representative who adds their name.
Cosponsoring shows support for a bill. Ask your representative to add their name to H.R. 10787 and help move it forward. Adding a name does not make it law.
4YOUR NEXT STEP
Contact your U.S. representative.
Use the lookup below to find their official website. Send a message or call their office. Say you live in their district, ask them to cosponsor H.R. 10787, and share why your supplies matter.
Bill information reviewed: October 15, 2026. AAHomecare announcement · About cosponsorship
Your voice matters
Act Now. Speak up for YOUR supplies.
Ask your U.S. representative to cosponsor H.R. 10787. Tell them why your supplies matter to your daily life.
1Find your lawmakers
Start with your U.S. representative: only House members can cosponsor H.R. 10787. You can also ask your senators to support a similar bill in the Senate.
2Tell your story
Which products work for you? What happened when a product did not work? Explain why keeping access matters.
3Send your letter
Use the sample below. Add your story, then paste it into your representative’s official contact form. Ask for a reply about cosponsorship.
A simple letter to get you started
Change the words below to fit your experience.
This page does not send or collect your letter. Copy or download it, then send it through your lawmakers’ contact forms.