Washington, D.C. — A new analysis from the Center for American Progress examines the Trump administration’s six-month moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for certain durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers that could limit access to essential equipment for disabled people and older adults.
Beginning in February 2026, the administration announced a six-month pause on enrolling certain new medical equipment suppliers in Medicare. Due to a clumsy rollout, both Medicare and Medicaid recipients became confused on how it would affect their ability to obtain critical DME. However, this moratorium focuses on the enrollment of specific types of DME suppliers. While the moratorium is framed as a response to improper payments, improper payments accounted for just 0.14 percent of total Medicare spending and are often due to documentation issues rather than fraud.
“The administration is using a blunt policy tool that risks cutting off access to essential care for older adults and people with disabilities,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director for the Disability Justice Initiative at CAP and co-author of the analysis. “This moratorium threatens to reduce competition, slow innovation, and make it harder for people to get the equipment they need to live safely and independently.”
CAP’s analysis finds:
- Fewer providers could reduce access to care. Blocking new suppliers may limit patient choice and slow access to equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen devices, and diabetes supplies.
- Patients may face delays and worse health outcomes. Lack of appropriate equipment is associated with reduced mobility, increased pain, and higher health risks.
- Smaller providers face increased pressure. Enrollment restrictions may accelerate consolidation and reduce competition.
- Rural communities could be disproportionately affected. Fewer suppliers may lead to coverage gaps and longer wait times.
Medicare Part B covers DME when prescribed, typically paying 80 percent of approved costs after the deductible is met. CAP urges policymakers to pursue targeted oversight to address improper payments without restricting access to care.
Read the analysis: “Does Medicare Still Cover Durable Medical Equipment?” by Mia Ives-Rublee and Casey Doherty
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].