CQRC Commends CMS for Locking in Existing Savings for Supplemental Oxygen and CPAP Devices by Excluding Them from Next Round of Competitive Bidding

Supplemental oxygen leaders urge Congress to pass the bipartisan Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act to address outstanding patient access barriers WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) commends the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for not including supplemental oxygen and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and supplies in the next round of Medicare’s Competitive…

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Advocates Ask Congress to Prioritize Medicare Oxygen Modernization in Honor of National COPD Awareness Month

Supplemental oxygen leaders encourage lawmakers to advance SOAR Act to remove barriers to care for patients living with complex respiratory disease, including COPD. WASHINGTON – In recognition of National COPD Awareness Month, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) is urging lawmakers in Congress to support comprehensive Medicare supplemental oxygen reform to stabilize the Medicare benefit…

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CQRC Commends W&M Health Subcommittee Leaders for Chronic Disease Care Hearing, Underscoring Need for Medicare Oxygen Modernization

In a letter to the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee, the CQRC applauds the Health Subcommittee’s focus on chronic disease management and urges passing the bipartisan SOAR Act. WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) today sent a letter to the U.S. House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Vernon Buchanan and Ranking Member Lloyd…

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New PRI Issue Brief Supports Reforms to Medicare’s DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process for Improved Quality and Sustainability

The Pacific Research Institute’s recent report on CMS’s reimbursement system details flaws in Medicare’s competitive bidding methodology, including supply shortages, and outlines needed reforms to ensure Americans’ access to care. WASHINGTON, DC –– A issue brief published by the Center for Medical Economics and Innovation at the Pacific Research Institute (PRI) this week highlights flaws in the Centers…

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In Comment Letter to CMS on Proposed Competitive Bidding Program Rule, Supplemental Oxygen Leaders Emphasize Importance of Patient-Centered and Market-Based Medicare Policies to Ensure Continued Access to Quality Patient Care

Supplemental oxygen advocates call on Congress to advance the bipartisan Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (S. 1406/H.R. 2902) to permanently remove oxygen from any future rounds of competitive bidding WASHINGTON –– The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) submitted comments on August 29 to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz expressing concern and offering…

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Supplemental 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)…

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CQRC Names Rotech CEO as New Board Chair

With more than three decades of experience in oxygen supplier field, Robin Menchen is well positioned to advance Medicare supplemental oxygen reform and shape future of care delivery WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) recently named Robin Menchen, CEO of Rotech Healthcare Inc. (Rotech), as chair of the board. As an industry veteran…

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CQRC 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 –…

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Supplemental 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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World Oxygen Day Underscores Urgent Need for Life-Changing Oxygen Reform 

WASHINGTON, DC – (October 2, 2024) – In honor of World Oxygen Day (October 2), 30 leading patient, provider, and professional organizations have united to call on Congress to pass the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform or SOAR Act (S. 3821/H.R. 7829). This pivotal legislation seeks to ensure that individuals enrolled in Medicare, who rely on supplemental oxygen, can…

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