The WOCN Society Supports Bipartisan Bill to Protect Access to Ostomy & Urological Supplies

MOUNT LAUREL TOWNSHIP, New Jersey—The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) announced its support for the Access to Medical Supplies Act (HR 10787), bipartisan legislation that would exclude ostomy and urological supplies from Medicare’s durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program for five years. Building on its efforts to protect patient access to medically necessary supplies, the society has prepared resources to help its 6,500+ members urge their representatives to cosponsor the bill.

Introduced by Reps. Greg Murphy and Brad Schneider, the legislation would exclude these supplies from competitive bidding from Jan. 1, 2028, through Dec. 31, 2032. It would also require a technical expert panel and a demonstration project to assess the impact of including these supplies in the program, with safeguards designed to preserve access to clinically appropriate products.

For individuals living with an ostomy or managing urinary dysfunction, product selection requires careful clinical assessment. Ostomy pouching systems, skin barriers, urinary catheters and related supplies must meet each patient’s specific medical and functional needs. Restricting access to appropriate products can increase the risk of leakage, skin breakdown, infections and potentially avoidable hospitalizations, while compromising patients’ independence and quality of life.

“Nurses see firsthand how access to the right supplies affects a patient’s health, independence, and daily life,” said Christine Berke, WOCN society president. “We have spent years educating policymakers about the clinical needs of the patients who rely on these products. This legislation represents an important step toward protecting their access, and we urge our members to help Congress understand why these protections matter.”

The society has consistently opposed the inclusion of ostomy and urological supplies in competitive bidding, emphasizing that efforts to reduce Medicare spending must account for patient safety, clinical necessity and continuity of care. Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule in November 2025 providing for their inclusion, WOCN has continued working with Congress, CMS and other organizations, such as the Society for Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA), to prevent disruptions in patient access.

These efforts have included submitting formal comments to CMS, joining coalition communications to Congress, meeting with CMS officials, congressional offices and mobilizing nurses to share their clinical perspectives with policymakers. The society has also developed educational materials explaining the potential consequences of competitive bidding and the importance of individualized product selection.

“SUNA members care for the patients who rely on urinary catheters and ostomy supplies every day, and we see what is at stake when access to the right product is put at risk,” said Nicole Zhang, president of SUNA. “For our patients, the right supply is not a preference. It is what keeps them independent, out of the emergency department and living their lives. SUNA stands with WOCN in urging Congress to cosponsor HR 10787, so that access to clinically appropriate urological and ostomy supplies is protected while the evidence is gathered.”

Nurses are encouraged to share their experience caring for patients who depend on these products and help policymakers understand how coverage and procurement decisions affect care. To learn more about WOCN’s advocacy efforts and access educational resources, visit wocn.org/competitive-bidding.