AdvaMed urges CMS to protect patient access following final plans for CBP 

WASHINGTON – AdvaMed has weighed in on CMS’s final plans to include continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), as well as ostomy, tracheostomy and urological supplies, in the next round of the competitive bidding program (CBP). 

The group says it is concerned about the potential impact on patient access of the agency’s plans to include supplies as product categories for Remote Item Delivery (RID) product categories. 

“We support efforts to protect the Medicare trust fund and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients, and we support CMS’s ongoing commitment to improving the program’s integrity,” said AdvaMed President and CEO Scott Whitaker. “At the same time, we remain focused on ensuring that patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes – as well as those who rely on ostomy and urological supplies – continue to have access to the latest clinically proven technologies that meet their medical needs.” 

AdvaMed previously outlined its concerns in a comment letter on the proposed rule in August, strongly recommending CMS fix “serious flaws” in the proposal before proceeding. 

The group did say it appreciates CMS’s willingness to consider stakeholder feedback in the final rule, including extending the implementation timeline and expanding the number of contracts awarded – issues it raised directly to the agency. 

“We also welcome CMS’s requirement that suppliers furnish the diabetes devices prescribed by physicians, which is essential to ensuring that patients receive the technologies that best meet their clinical needs, a provision we advocated for in our comments and communications with the agency,” Whitaker said. “We look forward to continuing to work with CMS and the administration to ensure the program evolves in a way that protects access to safe, clinically appropriate supplies for beneficiaries managing complex, chronic conditions.” 

• For more on CMS’s plans, go here for a fact sheet.  
• Here is a link to the final rule.