The CMS newsroom just released this press release today, December 24:
Final Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for Certain Skin Substitutes Withdrawn
Effective immediately, CMS’ A/B Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) are withdrawing the Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for Skin Substitute Grafts/Cellular and Tissue-Based Products for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Venous Leg Ulcers that were scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2026.
On December 15, 2025, CMS announced that all seven MACs will issue updated final “Skin Substitute Grafts/Cellular and Tissue-Based Products for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Venous Leg Ulcers” LCDs, effective January 1, 2026.
These LCDs will govern coverage of skin substitute application to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) for Medicare Part B beneficiaries. They will also continue to outline the applicable coverage criteria and documentation requirements for this service.
Under the updated LCDs:
For products in this third category to be covered, they must meet the “reasonable and necessary” standard under section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act, along with any other applicable requirements.
The full product lists and LCD details can be viewed here.