Sens. Warner, Baldwin lead effort advocating domestically made masks purchases

A group of lawmakers recently forwarded correspondence to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), advocating support for a CMS proposal encouraging hospitals to buy domestically-produced masks.

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined six colleagues in sending the letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, adding the effort would help prevent future shortages of life-saving personal protective equipment while also supporting American manufacturers.

“We write to express our strong support for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal to bolster American mask manufacturers and encourage hospitals to buy American,” the legislators wrote. “Specifically, we appreciate CMS’ recognition of the need for a robust domestic supply of surgical N95 respirators in its Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule.”

The legislators maintain it is important CMS proceed with a final rule providing payment adjustments to support hospitals’ purchase of domestically produced NIOSH-approved surgical N95 respirators.

“Unfortunately, too many U.S.-based manufacturers are struggling to exist as hospitals and health systems continue to grapple with the choice between purchasing more expensive domestically-made N95s or cheaper masks made in China,” the legislators concluded. We encourage CMS to examine ways to incentivize purchases of other domestically manufactured PPE, including surgical and isolation gowns, face masks, face shields, and eyewear, during future rulemaking.”