AdvaMed Highlights Access Concerns in CMS 2026 Home Health Payment Rule

AdvaMed, the leading medical technology trade association, has issued a statement regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System final rule. AdvaMed acknowledged CMS's efforts to protect the Medicare trust fund and reduce patient out-of-pocket costs while emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to advanced medical devices for patients with diabetes and those requiring ostomy and urological supplies. The association highlighted data demonstrating that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and related diabetes technologies improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, noting potential risks from restricting access through the competitive bidding program. AdvaMed expressed concerns about CMS’s inclusion of ostomy, tracheostomy, and urological supplies in the competitive bidding program, stating these products are prosthetic devices rather than durable medical equipment and fall outside CMS’s statutory authority for competitive bidding. The association cautioned that disruptions in access to these highly individualized supplies could lead to serious medical complications and higher hospitalization costs. The association also appreciated CMS's responsiveness to stakeholder feedback, including extending the competitive bidding program's implementation timeline and increasing the number of awarded contracts. AdvaMed welcomed CMS's requirement that suppliers must provide the diabetes devices prescribed by physicians, ensuring that patients receive clinically appropriate technologies. Furthermore, AdvaMed has been active in advocating for patient access at the legislative level, with bipartisan support from members of the House and Senate Diabetes Caucuses raising similar concerns about reduced access to vital diabetes management products. The group urged continued collaboration with CMS and the administration to evolve the program in a manner that safeguards access to necessary medical supplies for individuals managing chronic conditions. The financial implications of proper diabetes care were underscored by studies cited by AdvaMed showing that medical care episodes due to hypoglycemia are costly and that CGMs significantly reduce monthly diabetes-related medical costs. This highlights the broader insurance and healthcare system benefits of maintaining access to advanced diabetes management devices under Medicare.