The Trump administration has postponed the enforcement of a Biden-era regulation aimed at limiting Medicare coverage of costly skin substitutes until 2026. This decision allows companies to continue profiting from high prices for bandages that are often ineffective. Spending on these bandages has surged dramatically, rising from $1.6 billion in 2022 to over $10 billion in 2024, prompting concerns over wasteful expenditures within Medicare. Critics of the delay argue it endangers patient care and perpetuates financial exploitation within the healthcare system.
The Trump administration announced Friday it would delay the implementation of a Biden-era rule meant to restrict coverage of unproven and costly bandages known as skin substitutes.
Medicare spending on the coverings soared to over $10 billion in 2024, up from $1.6 billion in 2022, according to an analysis by Early Read.
Some experts said the bandage spending was one of the largest examples of waste in the history of Medicare, the insurance program for seniors.
Extremity Care argued that the plan would disrupt supply chains, eliminate innovation and increase costs for both doctors and patients.
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