Medicare's proposed 2026 changes to wound care reimbursement threaten to abandon millions of chronic wound care patients, warns Kenton Gray, CEO of Kure Care, a division of Veracor Group LLC.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced sweeping changes to how wound care products—particularly skin substitutes and cellular tissue-based products—are reimbursed under Medicare. These changes, set to take effect January 1, 2026, could significantly impact the approximately 10.5 million Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from chronic wounds.
Under the new rules, Medicare will require mandatory four-week standard care periods before patients can qualify for advanced treatments. The policy also imposes limitations on the number of covered applications per treatment episode, creating additional barriers for beneficiaries seeking alternatives to traditional wound care methods that have failed to deliver results.
Kenton Gray warns that these changes represent a dangerous step backward in wound care. "We've seen firsthand what happens when patients can't access advanced wound care treatments," said Gray. "Chronic wounds don't wait for bureaucratic approvals. Every day of delay increases the risk of infection, amputation, and even death."
Kure Care connects patients to biologics-based regenerative treatments that the company reports heal wounds 90 percent faster than traditional methods. The platform integrates certified specialists with advanced therapies designed to accelerate tissue repair and reduce recovery time.
With 95% of qualified patients receiving full Medicare coverage under current rules, Kure Care urges beneficiaries to seek treatment now before the new restrictions take effect. The company's nationwide network of 500+ certified wound care specialists ensures patients can access care close to home.
