Congressman David Valadao from California’s 22nd District has reintroduced the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act in an effort to improve access to supplemental oxygen for Medicare beneficiaries. Valadao is joined by Representatives Julia Brownley, Adrian Smith, and Gabe Evans in this bipartisan initiative. The Senate version of the bill is being led by Senators Bill Cassidy, Mark Warner, and Amy Klobuchar.
The SOAR Act aims to address the challenges faced by individuals requiring supplemental oxygen, particularly those who depend on Medicare. Valadao emphasized the lifesaving importance of supplemental oxygen and the current difficulties many people face due to Medicare’s restrictive requirements. “The SOAR Act makes it easier for people to get the oxygen treatment they need to live healthy, active lives,” he stated.
Rep. Julia Brownley highlighted the daily struggle faced by millions of seniors, asserting, “No one should have to struggle to breathe.” She hopes the legislation will benefit over 1.5 million Americans who rely on supplemental oxygen.
The bill also addresses the barriers encountered by patients in rural areas, with Rep. Adrian Smith pointing out the particular difficulties faced in “rural areas like Nebraska’s Third District.” For Rep. Gabe Evans, the issue hits close to home as his own child has relied on supplemental oxygen due to Colorado’s high altitude.
Several organizations and experts have voiced support for the ACT. Harold Wimmer, the President and CEO of the American Lung Association, addressed the struggles faced by over a million people, “Unfortunately, too many people face challenges in getting the right type and levels of oxygen.” Similarly, Dana Evans from the American Association for Respiratory Care addressed ongoing challenges in Medicare reimbursement and access to skilled respiratory care professionals.
Matt J. Granato from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association elaborated on the difficulties faced by those with pulmonary hypertension, a progressive lung disease. He believes the SOAR Act will provide necessary access to supplemental oxygen, improving their ability to conduct daily activities.
Jean Wright of the COPD Foundation and Scott Staszak from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation expressed gratitude for the efforts of Senate and House co-sponsors, hoping the legislation will minimize the difficulties patients currently experience.
Dr. Nicholas A. Kolaitis, a California-based physician, has observed first-hand the challenges posed by Medicare’s current policies. He praised the legislators for their efforts to reform the Medicare supplemental oxygen benefit system. Robin L. Menchen from Rotech Healthcare also commended the bill, noting that it is crucial for stabilizing reimbursement rates and improving access to respiratory and pulmonary care.
The SOAR Act proposes significant changes, such as removing all oxygen and oxygen equipment from the Medicare competitive bidding process, establishing a separate payment rate for liquid oxygen, and creating a new add-on to reimburse respiratory therapist services. Furthermore, the act plans to enhance fraud and abuse protections to ensure program integrity.
The bill seeks to address key issues arising from the 2011 implementation of Medicare’s competitive bidding process, which drastically reduced payment rates for various oxygen delivery methods. Although lightweight and effective, liquid oxygen remains particularly hard for patients to access under the current system. The proposed changes aim to make this treatment more readily available to those who need it.
