Ok folks, now DIG THIS: 😡
I believe I mentioned some years ago that I rely upon an intermittent catheter to urinate due to a condition known as Teacher’s Syndrome combined with a near-total lack of bladder sensation so that I never ever can feel any amount of urine present which can be a problem, a big problem. Big.
I use a special catheter with what’s called a coude tip and the lubrication is contained in a separate sealed packet within the sterile sleeve so all you have to do is squeeze the lube packet, the catheter self-lubricates, and it works perfectly 99% of the time. I live a totally normal existence and actually better, because I never ever have to run to the bathroom.
The monthly cost billed to Medicare for 150 non-reusable items is about $850.00 of which I have to pay 20%. This is not my issue: for me that’s fair and quite manageable. I elected my insurance and knew full-well what my expense would be. Everything’s been perfect until:
So today I receive from my catheter company the following:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed a rule that could potentially limit access to essential medical supplies used by thousands of people like you across the country.
This proposed change would allow urological and ostomy supplies to be added to Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program (CBP), even though these items are currently protected under law and excluded from bidding.
This proposal does not impact your current orders, and (the company) will continue to provide your supplies. However, we believe it’s important to keep you informed. Because this proposal poses a risk to future access, the time to take action and make your voice heard is now.
What’s at Stake?
If this change goes into effect, it could seriously impact the quality of life of people who live with an ostomy or rely on intermittent catheters. Catheter and ostomy supplies are not one-size-fits-all. They are medically necessary, highly individualized, and prescribed by a physician.
If CMS moves forward with this change, many suppliers may exit the Medicare program, leading to reduced access, lower quality products, and potentially serious health consequences for those who rely on these critical products every day.
Why CMS Needs to Hear From You
CMS is required by law to review and consider all public comments before finalizing proposed rules. You don’t need to be a policy expert. Your personal story is what matters most. Sharing how these supplies affect your health and daily life can make a powerful impact.
How to Submit a Comment (By August 29, 2025):
Visit the official rule page
Scroll down and click “Submit a public comment.”
You can use or adapt the sample comment below to guide your message. Be sure to add your personal experience — that’s what matters most.
Leave the category blank, provide your email information, and submit your comment.
Visit the Official Rule Page
Sample Comment Template
Subject: I Oppose Inclusion of Urological and Ostomy Supplies in Competitive Bidding
My name is [insert name], and I rely on [insert supply type, e.g., urological/ostomy] supplies provided by [insert provider name and location]. These supplies are critical to my health and have been prescribed by my physician based on my specific medical needs. I use products that are specially tailored for me.
I am very concerned that CMS is proposing to include urological and ostomy supplies in future rounds of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program. Including these supplies in CBP could force suppliers out of the Medicare program and severely limit my access to medically necessary, customized products. My health depends on consistent access to high-quality, individualized supplies, and I’m worried that this proposal will put that at risk.
I strongly urge CMS to withdraw this portion of the proposed rule and continue to protect access to the vital medical supplies that people like me depend on every day.
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So I can only imagine what quality of device will be selected by these sons of bitches. Probably used garden hose material. Now here’s the deal: wait until all those MAGA motherfuckers lose their particular brand: trust me, it’s like a tobacco brand but 100 times more critical: they will go berserk if this happens. And so will I. Details and consequences to follow.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'd certainly submit an appropriate comment and try to get as many others directly impacted to do so as well. Your urologist, certainly.
It was a new day a new horror after Jan 20. Now, it is a new hour, a new horror. Sigh...
Sending vibes. 
If he says he doesn't use one, the questioner should say "Well, not NOW ... but you will soon!"
My dad, who passed away some years ago, had to self catheterize every day. For some reason, no one told him that his insurance would cover catheters. He purchased a few and then kept reusing them. Sure enough, massive infections. While he was in the hospital, a nurse told us that catheters were covered under his health insurance and gave us the information on where to order them.
Between having a clean catheter every day and being told to wash 'everything' that came in contact with that catheter with hibiclens, he never had another infection.
Again, people are going to die because of the GOP.
