CareForward Alliance Opposes Harmful Changes to Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The CareForward Alliance, a newly formed coalition of senior citizen advocates, people with disabilities, patient groups, and free-market policy organizations announced today a unified front against proposed changes to Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program (CBP), warning the reforms would reduce choice, increase costs, and limit access to critical medical equipment for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

The CareForward Alliance is a project of 60 Plus Association, the American Association of Senior Citizens, the leading senior advocacy organization focused on defending the rights and independence of older Americans, and includes the Bull Moose Project, the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, the Consumer Choice Center, and Consumer Action for a Strong Economy. These groups came together in response to misguided federal overreach that threatens the healthcare freedom and financial stability of our nation's Medicare beneficiaries.

"These proposed changes would undermine the very principles of the Competitive Bidding Program: choice, efficiency, and market-driven cost savings," said Saul Anuzis, President of the 60 Plus Association. "Instead of improving competition, the government is inserting more bureaucracy and limiting suppliers, which ultimately means fewer options and longer delays for those on Medicare who need essential equipment like intermittent urinary catheters and ostomy supplies."

The proposed modifications would significantly alter the vendor selection process for patients, limit regional flexibility, and potentially prioritize larger contractors over local and community-based providers, a move that would create monopolistic conditions, disincentivize innovation, and eliminate consumer choice.

CMS's proposed expansion of competitive bidding will result in Medicare recipients in rural and underserved areas facing delays or complete loss of access to vital equipment and services. Additionally, patients and taxpayers will face higher prices through reduced competition, and local suppliers will be forced out of the market, diminishing personalized care.

"The catheter I use now has reduced infections and allowed me to live independently, work full-time, and travel to speak on national stages. I cannot go backward," said Ali Ingersoll, a disability advocate. "On paper, the stated goal is to cut costs and reduce fraud. In practice, this move would significantly reduce patient choice, jeopardize supply chains, and incentivize cheap, poorly made products that can cause infections, sepsis, and long-term health consequences. I've seen it happen. I've buried friends who died from infections caused by inadequate or inappropriate catheter use."

The coalition calls on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to not move forward with the proposed rule and instead work with stakeholders to institute real reforms that will root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the healthcare system.

"Any reforms must prioritize patients over politics," said Anuzis. "This coalition will ensure that the voices of Medicare recipients are not only heard but heeded."

For more information or to join the coalition, visit www.careforwardalliance.org

SOURCE 60 Plus Association