Posts by schmidtpa
CQRC SAYS BID PROGRAM COULD HARM ACCESS, UNDERSCORES NEED FOR SOAR ACT
WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) is concerned that Medicare’s proposed competitive bidding program could have substantial negative consequences on patient access and quality of care. The council says it’s time to pass reform that permanently removes the supplemental oxygen benefit from the program. “While we continue to review the proposed rule to…
Read MoreVOICES: Supplemental oxygen reform needed for stronger patient protections
Respiratory and pulmonary conditions can be complex, often misunderstood, and may even go undiagnosed for years. Having lived with the rare autoimmune disorder scleroderma since I was 19, I started experiencing breathing difficulties and a persistent cough in 2023. I even began sleeping outdoors to try and get more fresh air into my lungs. But…
Read MoreSupplemental Oxygen Leaders: CMS’s Proposed Competitive Bidding Policy Underscores Urgent Need for Medicare Oxygen Reform
Oxygen leaders warn proposed CBP could again result in artificially low rates, further limiting patient access to care across the country WASHINGTON – Following a preliminary review of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed rule for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC)…
Read MoreCQRC URGES CAUTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF NIV NCD
WASHINGTON – While it commends the Trump Administration for finalizing a National Coverage Determination (NCD) for “Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) in the Home for the Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Failure consequent to COPD,” the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) is concerned about its quick implementation and potential access issues. The effective date of the final…
Read MoreCQRC Commends CMS for Modifying the Final Coverage Decision for Noninvasive Ventilation for Chronic Respiratory Failure
Policy released by CMS reflects many of the recommendations submitted by CQRC to support effective management of chronic respiratory disease, prevent ER visits and hospitalizations, and enhance patient quality of life WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) – a coalition of the nation’s six leading home oxygen therapy provider and manufacturing companies –…
Read MoreReform Supplemental Oxygen for Chronically Ill Patients
For the 1.5 million Americans living with chronic lung and heart disease and other respiratory conditions, supplemental oxygen is not a luxury or something that would be nice to have — it is a literal lifeline. Supplemental oxygen allows patients to live more active, independent lives despite the serious health challenges they face. For these…
Read MoreHEALTH CARE STAKEHOLDERS URGE SUPPORT OF SOAR ACT
More than 30 patient, health care professional and industry organizations have signed a letter urging lawmakers to cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, which would remove supplemental oxygen from the competitive bidding program. “Since 2011, supplemental oxygen has been part of Medicare’s DMEPOS competitive bidding program, resulting in significant decreases in payments for oxygen…
Read MoreBills Addressing Overtime Wage, Oxygen Access Concerns Draw Home Care’s Support
Home care stakeholders are rallying behind two pieces of legislation that aim to improve access to key services for individuals aging in place. The Ensuring Access to Affordable and Quality Home Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act, HR 2304, would undo a 2013 Department of Labor rule narrowing the scope of home care workers…
Read MoreBILL INTRODUCED TO ‘MAINTAIN AND STABILIZE’ OXYGEN REIMBURSEMENT
The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act, which would remove supplemental oxygen from Medicare’s competitive bidding program, has been reintroduced in the Senate and House of Representatives, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care has announced. The bill would remove supplemental oxygen from the bid program to establish separate payment rates for non-liquid and liquid oxygen, reflecting the…
Read MoreSupplemental Oxygen Providers & Suppliers Commend Reintroduction of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act in U.S. Congress
The bipartisan legislation improves patient access to oxygen modalities, while strengthening Medicare fraud and abuse protections to improve respiratory care WASHINGTON, DC –– The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) – a coalition of the nation’s leading home respiratory therapy providers and manufacturing companies – today applauds the reintroduction of the bipartisan Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform…
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