Medicare Ostomy Supply Changes Could Affect Cancer Survivors

Upcoming changes to how Medicare handles ostomy supplies could affect cancer survivors who rely on specific products after treatment, according to Dr. Diego Schaps.

Schaps, a general surgeon based in Durham, North Carolina, who is currently completing his residency at Duke University Hospital, explained that ostomy supplies are not interchangeable. For patients with colorectal, bladder or other cancers, an ostomy may be needed after surgery, and finding a pouching system that works for their body can take time.

“When the pouching system works well, patients are able to live an excellent, healthy and great life,” Schaps said.

He noted that patients can work, spend time with their families and participate in activities without having to constantly worry about their ostomy.

However, Schaps raised concerns about Medicare including ostomy supplies in its competitive bidding program. Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program (CBP), managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), uses a bidding process to set prices and select suppliers for certain medical equipment and supplies. The concern is that limiting the number of suppliers could also limit access to the specific pouching systems that fit a patient’s individual needs. He explained that reducing the number of available suppliers or changing the products patients can access could create issues with both supply availability and quality.

If a patient has to switch from a pouching system that works to one that does not fit properly, leaks and other complications could occur. These problems could potentially lead to more health care visits, emergency department visits or other medical care.

The changes are not in effect yet. The final ruling was released in November 2025, with changes expected in 2028.

For patients concerned about what these changes could mean, their experiences can play an important role in advocacy.

“I could say a million things as a resident surgeon, but it’s the patient stories and the people at the forefront that are the most important,” he said.

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