Bill > HR2902

This bill, the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025 (SOAR Act), aims to improve Medicare's supplemental oxygen benefit by making several significant changes. The bill removes oxygen and oxygen-related equipment from the competitive acquisition program starting January 1, 2026, and establishes new payment methods for oxygen services, particularly focusing on liquid oxygen. It introduces a comprehensive set of requirements for oxygen suppliers, including conducting initial patient evaluations, providing education, ensuring equipment access, and offering 24-hour on-call support. The legislation also adds respiratory therapist services to Medicare coverage, creates electronic templates for documenting medical necessity, and establishes extensive patient protections. Key provisions include creating a new payment structure that adjusts rates based on geographic areas, implementing a specific payment approach for liquid oxygen with considerations for high-flow patients, and requiring suppliers to provide detailed services such as equipment maintenance, safety evaluations, and coordinated care. Additionally, the bill mandates that patients receive clear information about their oxygen services, including cost-sharing obligations, supplier policies, and rights to change suppliers or refuse treatment, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality, accessibility, and transparency of supplemental oxygen services for Medicare beneficiaries.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2902/all-info