CareForward Alliance Unites Against Proposed Medicare Bidding Program Changes

On September 18, 2025, the CareForward Alliance declared its opposition to proposed alterations in Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). This newly formed coalition consists of advocacy groups representing the interests of senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, patient organizations, and advocates for free-market healthcare. The coalition is particularly concerned about the effects these changes could have on the availability, affordability, and accessibility of essential medical supplies and equipment for millions of Medicare recipients.

The CareForward Alliance is spearheaded by the 60 Plus Association—an important voice advocating for senior citizens—and includes several other significant organizations such as the American Association of Senior Citizens, the Bull Moose Project, the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, the Consumer Choice Center, and Consumer Action for a Strong Economy. These organizations have rallied together to confront what they see as a misguided effort by the federal government that threatens the health freedom and financial security of Medicare beneficiaries across the nation.

Saul Anuzis, President of the 60 Plus Association, vehemently critiqued the proposed changes, arguing they could undermine foundational principles such as choice, efficiency, and market-driven cost savings in the CBP. He stated that instead of fostering greater competition, the proposed alterations would inject further government bureaucracy, limiting the number of suppliers available. This limitation could result in fewer choices and longer wait times for essential equipment, crucial for patients relying on services such as urinary catheters and ostomy supplies.

The proposed modifications to the bidding process raise alarms over potential monopolistic conditions that could arise. A shift towards prioritizing larger corporate contractors at the expense of local and community-based providers could stifle innovation and dilute consumer choice. Moreover, the anticipated expansion of competitive bidding would disproportionately affect those in rural or underserved areas, leading to potential delays or even total loss of access to vital medical equipment and services.

Patients and taxpayers alike would face rising costs due to diminished competition, while local suppliers might find themselves driven out of the market, compromising personalized care provisions. Ali Ingersoll, a disability advocate, shared her personal story to illustrate the urgent implications of these potential changes. She highlighted that the catheter she uses has drastically reduced her infections and allowed her to maintain her independence. She expressed her concern about reverting to systems that prioritize cost over quality, emphasizing the real health risks especially associated with cheap, poorly constructed medical supplies.

Ingersoll underscored that the stated objective of reducing costs and cutting fraud could, in practice, lead to a significant decline in patient choice and potentially jeopardize supply chains. Such conditions could encourage the use of inadequately made medical products that can lead to severe health complications, including infections and even sepsis.

The CareForward Alliance is actively calling on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to halt the advance of these proposed rules. Instead, they advocate for genuine reforms that address areas of waste, fraud, and abuse in the healthcare system while prioritizing patient needs above political agendas. Anuzis reaffirmed the coalition's commitment to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries' opinions are recognized and respected in all discussions going forward.

Those interested in supporting the coalition or learning more about its mission can visit www.careforwardalliance.org for additional information. The CareForward Alliance represents a crucial movement aimed at protecting the rights and health choices of millions of Medicare beneficiaries in the face of perceived governmental overreach.