The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule (CMS-1828-P) that would include urological supplies, like intermittent catheters, in Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program.
This threatens the health and independence of people living with spina bifida.
Here’s why this matters:
Catheters are not interchangeable. The right product is often found after years of trial and error. A forced switch can cause pain, injury, infections, or kidney damage.
Competitive bidding would limit patient choice, disrupt care continuity, and delay access to the supplies people rely on every single day.
What looks like short-term savings could mean higher long-term costs—through more ER visits, hospitalizations, and complications.
Now is the time to act. The public comment period is open until August 29.
Submit your comment to CMS urging them to exclude urological supplies from competitive bidding: https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/blog/instructions-for-submitting-letters-on-competitive-bidding-to-cms/
Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBRHAxnOIno
Access to safe, effective urological supplies is lifesaving. Let’s make sure CMS hears that loud and clear.