Access & Care Coalition Statement on TAI

WOCN joined with members of the Access & Care Coalition to create a policy statement advocating for Medicare coverage of Transanal Irrigation (TAI) equipment and supplies. Currently, Medicare does not provide coverage for TAI equipment and supplies, exposing beneficiaries with bowel dysfunction to complications, frequent emergency department visits, and the potential for stoma surgery.

TAI is recognized as medically reasonable and necessary for treating bowel dysfunction by over half of the State Medicaid programs, the VA, TriCare, and 120 private sector health plans, including some of the largest plans that participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). However, Medicaid does not cover these supplies, and WOCN will be working with the coalition to gain coverage. The complete document can be found here.