Diabetes device maker shares slide after payment scheduling proposal

Shares of the makers of glucose monitors and insulin pumps – including Dexcom (DXCM), Insulet (PODD) and Tandem Diabetes (TNDM) – are falling in pre-market trading after the U.S. government proposed a payment scheduling change as well as a competitive bidding program for the diabetes treatment devices. On June 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule that proposes updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for home health agencies under the Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule for calendar year 2026. The proposal posted to the site of the CMS states in part: “CMS is proposing improvements to the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program so that we can protect the Medicare trust fund and beneficiaries can have lower copays. Currently, we are not announcing what product categories we are bidding, nor are we announcing the specific timeframe for the next competition. A future announcement will provide those details. In addition, CMS is proposing that all continuous glucose monitors and insulin infusion pumps be reclassified under the frequent and substantial servicing payment category, giving beneficiaries access to current, fully supported technology that meets evolving safety and performance standards, rather than having to wait five years.”