Key Highlights
- Dietitians and legislators raise concerns over proposed CMS payment changes for diabetes technology.
- The House and Senate Diabetes Caucuses sent a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz expressing worries that the proposals will reduce access to glucose monitors and insulin pumps.
- Medtech lobbying group AdvaMed also urged CMS not to finalize the rule changes.
- Caucus leaders fear suppliers would control fewer product types, leading to limited choices for patients.
Legislators Object to Proposed CMS Payment Changes for Diabetes Tech
In a significant development in healthcare policy, legislators from both the House and Senate have raised concerns over proposed changes by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding diabetes technology payments. The move comes as part of the agency’s broader strategy to include insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors within a competitive bidding program.
On October 6, 2025, CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz addressed an audience at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C., highlighting his administration’s efforts to make healthcare more cost-effective. However, the ensuing proposal has sparked intense debate among policymakers and industry leaders alike.
CMS Proposes Competitive Bidding for Diabetes Devices
In June 2025, CMS issued a proposed rule intending to integrate insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors into a competitive bidding program. This initiative would alter the current payment structure by shifting from upfront contracts to monthly rentals. The rationale behind this change was to foster competition among suppliers, potentially leading to lower costs for beneficiaries.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from diabetes advocates and industry stakeholders who fear it may compromise patient access to essential technologies.
Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), along with Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), co-chairs of the House and Senate Diabetes Caucuses, penned a letter to Administrator Oz in October 2025 expressing their concerns.
Legislators’ Concerns Over Supplier Control
The legislators highlighted that under the proposed changes, a few suppliers might be responsible for providing durable insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. These suppliers would also handle maintenance, software updates, and recalls, significantly altering the current arrangement where manufacturers are primarily responsible for these functions.
“We are concerned that these proposed policies will have an unintended consequence of reducing choices for CGM or durable insulin pump beneficiaries,” wrote Shaheen, Collins, DeGette, and Bilirakis. “Suppliers would not be required to carry all types and combinations of CGMs and durable insulin pumps under this proposal, which could push beneficiaries closer to a one-size-fits-all model that does not meet their needs.”
The lawmakers further emphasized the importance of allowing more frequent technology updates for patients, suggesting alternative methods to achieve this goal without jeopardizing access.
Industry Response and Advocacy
In response to CMS’s proposal, Medtech lobbying group AdvaMed issued a statement on Monday. Scott Whitaker, CEO of AdvaMed, stressed the critical need to maintain patient access to diabetes technology. “Any policies that undermine instead of increase access are the wrong direction,” he stated.
AdvaMed had previously recommended in an August 2025 letter to CMS that the agency address the flaws in the proposed rule before restarting its competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. The organization’s advocacy underscores the complex interplay between cost-saving measures and patient care in diabetes management.
Future Implications
The debate surrounding CMS’s proposal highlights the delicate balance healthcare policymakers must strike between reducing costs and preserving access to essential technologies. As discussions continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring the potential impact of these changes on patients with diabetes across the United States.
The outcome of this policy shift could significantly influence not only individual patient experiences but also broader trends in medical device financing and delivery within Medicare programs. The coming months will be crucial as CMS considers feedback from all sides before finalizing any rule changes.
