Final rule delay extends advocacy window 

WASHINGTON – A final rule with further details about CMS’s next round of the competitive bidding program (CBP) was not released last week, giving industry stakeholders more time to continue advocacy efforts, AAHomecare says. 

The 2026 DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule final rule was expected to be released on Oct. 31. 

“Whether that delay is tied to the HME community’s all-out advocacy efforts on CBP provisions in the rule is not clear – and a timeline for releasing the final rule is also not apparent,” the association stated. “What is clear is that all stakeholders have an extended opportunity to reach out to Capitol Hill and ask them to weight with CMS and the administration on the CBP.” 

AAHomecare is asking stakeholders to reach out to health care staffers for their representatives and senators with this basic message: 

“I am asking your office to reach out to your contacts at CMS and/or the administration to request that CMS withdraw or delay the DME Medicare Competitive Bidding Program provisions in the DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule and re-engage with industry, patient and clinical stakeholders to develop a better framework for the program. CMS has not yet shared a final rule, and we believe that strong and timely congressional outreach can convince the agency to pause the rule and work on an approach that protects patient access to high-quality DME products and related services.” 

The association encourages stakeholders to rephrase the message and add their own perspectives as they see fit. 

Other resources to consider: 

• Issue brief 

• Small business impacts 

• Voter Voice message 

“The final rule could be released at any time – so please take action today,” AAHomecare stated.