U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), and Adrian Smith (R-NE) on Tuesday unveiled bipartisan legislation that would institute reforms to improve access to supplemental oxygen for Medicare beneficiaries.
“Supplemental oxygen is a lifeline for so many people, but too many struggle to access the oxygen that works best for their lifestyle,” said Rep. Valadao, who sponsored the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, H.R. 7829. “This bill makes it easier for people to get the oxygen treatment they need to live healthy, active lives.”
“As a cardiothoracic surgeon for over 15 years, I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to safeguard access to supplemental oxygen, and as a legislator I recognize the need for comprehensive reforms,” said Rep. Bucshon, the lead original cosponsor of H.R. 7829. “I am proud to help introduce this critical legislation to ensure the availability of this vital medical resource for years to come.”
H.R. 7829, which Rep. Smith and U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) also cosponsored, would amend the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and oxygen-related equipment, supplies, and services to increase access for Medicare beneficiaries, according to the text of the bill.
“Providing coverage flexibility for Medicare beneficiaries who depend on supplemental oxygen will improve access to vital care, particularly in rural areas where patients may be more than an hour drive from respiratory treatment,” Rep. Smith said. “I look forward to advancing this bipartisan solution and thank Reps. Valadao, Brownley, and Bucshon for their cooperation in introducing this legislation.”
If enacted, the bill would remove all oxygen and oxygen equipment from Medicare competitive bidding; establish a separate payment rate for liquid oxygen; create a new add-on to the supplemental oxygen rate to reimburse for respiratory therapist services to Medicare beneficiaries; and establish protections for Medicare beneficiaries who use supplemental oxygen, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
The legislation is supported by the American Lung Association, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, the COPD Foundation, the American Thoracic Society, the American College of Chest Physicians, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care, and the American Association for Respiratory Care.
“No one should suffer the pain and fear of struggling to breathe,” Rep. Brownley said. “This bill will help ensure that the more than 1.5 million American seniors who rely on supplemental oxygen will have access to the care and portable oxygen supplies they need to lead more fulfilling and healthier lives.”
H.R. 7829 is identical to S. 3821, introduced in February by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Mark Warner (D-VA).