1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to express strong opposition to the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to impose a six-month nationwide moratorium on new enrollments for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers into the Medicare program. While I understand the importance of combatting fraud and abuse in federal health programs, this sweeping freeze presents serious risks for patient access, care equity, and competition in the medical supply market. CMS’s moratorium will halt all new DMEPOS supplier enrollments, including for medical supply companies and entities that provide essential equipment such as oxygen tanks, urinary catheters, wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, and other critical medical supplies — even where there is legitimate patient need. Although the freeze does not directly stop existing suppliers from operating, it means that no new qualified suppliers may join the Medicare program, open new locations, or expand services during this period. This policy raises multiple concerns: 1. Reduced Access in Underserved Areas: In many rural and low-income communities, access to DMEPOS providers is already limited. A prolonged freeze on new supplier enrollment may prevent new providers from opening where they are desperately needed, forcing patients to travel further for medically necessary equipment. 2. Threat to Choice and Competition: Competition among suppliers helps keep costs reasonable and ensures higher quality services. The moratorium could entrench existing providers, reducing incentives for better care, innovation, and responsiveness to patients’ needs. 3. Unintended Barriers to Care: Many patients depend on DMEPOS supplies to live independently and safely — from mobility devices like wheelchairs to respiratory equipment and post-surgical supports. While the freeze is framed as a fraud prevention measure, it could create roadblocks for patients who need access to new technologies, devices, or providers that could improve their health outcomes. 4. Inadequate Targeting of Underlying Issues: Fraud in Medicare is a serious problem, and enforcement against bad actors is essential. However, a blanket halt on new enrollments does not differentiate between fraudulent operations and legitimate, compliant medical supply businesses that help patients every day. Rather than a blunt nationwide freeze, I urge you to support legislative solutions that: • Provide targeted fraud-prevention measures without blocking market entry for ethical, high-quality suppliers. • Strengthen oversight mechanisms that can detect fraud swiftly without restricting patient access. • Protect and expand access to medically necessary durable equipment and supplies, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I urge you to oppose policies that impede access to essential healthcare resources for your constituents’ wellbeing.