LIQUID OXYGEN LEGISLATION

[srlevine1]

For those interested in legislation enabling high-flow oxygen, you might want to ask your legislator to pass the SOAR (Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform) ACT BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

Summary: S.3821 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)

Introduced in Senate (02/28/2024)
Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2024 or the SOAR Act of 2024

This bill establishes certain requirements with respect to the payment and provision of supplemental oxygen and related services under Medicare.

For example, the bill provides for separate payments, indexed to inflation, of oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services under Medicare (rather than under the competitive acquisition program). It also specifically covers services that are provided by respiratory therapists under Medicare and provides for an additional payment adjustment for these services.

Additionally, the bill (1) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop an electronic template for providers to use when prescribing oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services; and (2) establishes certain rights for beneficiaries receiving these items and services, such as the right to choose their suppliers and to receive clear communications and be informed about the services provided.

ProPublica has a good story about the battle to obtain liquid oxygen. https://www.propublica.org/article/soar-...e-patients