Ostomy and Urological Supply Coverage Reaches 32 States

November 13, 2026

Media coverage of what Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program means for people who rely on ostomy and urological supplies keeps growing. Articles and op-eds on these supplies have now appeared in 32 states, bringing the voices of patients, clinicians, and providers to national audiences and local communities.

Cure Today Features Patients and Clinicians

Kaitlyn Le, a reporter at Cure Today, has published two pieces on the issue. On October 5, she published an article with comments from cancer survivor and ostomate Bern Paul. She followed up on October 30 with a feature that included ostomate Ellyn Mantell, WOC nurse Kate Lawrence, Bern Paul, and Dr. Diego Schaps. Together, these pieces show what is at stake from the patient’s side and the clinician’s side.

Op-eds Have Extended Reach

Op-eds first published in national outlets are now running in local papers across the country:

  1. Jesi Stracham, a provider and end user, published an op-ed in The Washington Examiner on October 9. It was republished in the Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer (Littleton, NC) on November 4.
  2. Dr. Diego Schaps’ op-ed, first published in the DC Journal, appeared in the Van Nuys News Press (Van Nuys, CA) on October 9 and the CT Examiner (Old Lyme, CT) on October 16.
  3. Micheline Stephens, an AAHomecare member and owner of Louisiana-based PCG Medical, first published her op-ed in The Washington Examiner this summer. It was republished in the Fort Bend Herald & Texas Coaster (Rosenberg, TX) on October 2.

Spotlight on CGMs and insulin pumps

Coverage has also expanded beyond ostomy and urology. On October 23, The Well News published an op-ed by George Huntley, CEO of Diabetes Leadership Council, about the remote item delivery (RID) bidding program for continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps.

Help amplify these stories

AAHomecare continues to bring these messages to Capitol Hill. Please share these articles on social media and with your networks. They are also useful to have on hand when you talk with your legislators and their staff, because local coverage shows lawmakers that their own constituents are affected.