Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform: Learn About the SOAR Act
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) continues to advocate for improved access to supplemental oxygen for patients who depend on oxygen therapy to live safely and independently.
A key part of that effort is the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, currently introduced in Congress as S. 1406 and H.R. 2902. The bipartisan legislation is intended to modernize the Medicare supplemental oxygen benefit and address barriers that can make it difficult for some patients to obtain the oxygen equipment and clinical support appropriate for their needs.
Why Supplemental Oxygen Reform Matters
According to AARC, more than 1.5 million Americans depend on supplemental oxygen to live independently and safely.
AARC reports that some Medicare beneficiaries experience challenges obtaining appropriate portable oxygen systems, liquid oxygen for higher-flow needs, and access to respiratory therapists who can help manage their oxygen therapy.
What Would the SOAR Act Address?
AARC's advocacy materials identify several areas of proposed reform, including:
- Improving patient access to the type of supplemental oxygen equipment most appropriate for their clinical needs
- Improving access to liquid oxygen for patients who medically require it
- Creating a Medicare reimbursement mechanism for respiratory therapists to provide services to supplemental oxygen patients
- Establishing additional protections for Medicare beneficiaries who use supplemental oxygen
- Modernizing documentation requirements associated with the Medicare oxygen benefit
AARC has also called for removing oxygen and oxygen-related equipment from Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program and establishing a separate payment methodology for liquid oxygen.
Why Is Liquid Oxygen Part of the Conversation?
Supplemental oxygen can be provided through several different systems, and each has different benefits and limitations. AARC notes that liquid oxygen can be particularly important for patients who require higher oxygen flow rates while also needing a portable system.
AARC reports that access to liquid oxygen has declined substantially following changes to Medicare reimbursement. Its supplemental oxygen reform materials cite significant decreases in both stationary and portable liquid oxygen claims in recent years.
Learn more about supplemental oxygen reform from AARC »
AARC's Current Advocacy Effort
AARC is currently seeking congressional co-sponsors for S. 1406 and H.R. 2902. The organization provides information for respiratory therapists, patients, caregivers, and others who want to learn more about the legislation or participate in its advocacy campaign.
Additional AARC Resources
Members who would like additional background or advocacy resources can visit:
- AARC Take Action Center — current information about the SOAR Act and AARC's advocacy campaign.
- SOAR Act Talking Points — an overview of the legislation, patient-access concerns, and proposed reforms.
- Supplemental Oxygen Reform Background Information — additional information about Medicare coverage, oxygen modalities, and access concerns.
- AARC Federal Advocacy — information about AARC's broader federal advocacy priorities.
- AARC Social Media Advocacy Resources — sample posts, graphics, and materials related to supplemental oxygen reform.
About NJSRC Advocacy
The New Jersey Society for Respiratory Care shares information and resources from AARC and other respiratory care organizations to help New Jersey respiratory therapists stay informed about issues affecting the profession and the patients they serve.
