Access to Ostomy Supplies

In collaboration with our partners in the Access & Care Coalition, WOCN met with several of the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), who are responsible for administering Durable Medical Equipment (DME) claims for Medicare beneficiaries, to discuss obstacles that prevent Medicare beneficiaries from receiving medically necessary supplies. This meeting follows a letter sent by the coalition outlining our concerns.
 
During the discussion, WOCN asked the MACs to simplify the process that allows beneficiaries to receive supplies above the maximum allowable quantity if they are medically necessary. Many WOCN members have reported that these claims for additional supplies are often denied, even when documented for medical necessity. In addition, the coalition advocated for the MACs to consider changing their coverage policy to better support double ostomates in receiving the supplies they need.