HEALTH 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 equipment and supplies,” the letter states. “While this has produced Medicare savings, it has also led to unacceptable barriers for patients who need medically necessary oxygen equipment, supplies and services. Supplemental oxygen is a lifeline for so many people – decreasing mortality, reducing shortness of breath and increasing exercise capacity. No one should struggle to access the oxygen modality that works best for their medical needs and lifestyle, and no one should suffer the pain and fear of struggling to breathe.” 

The letter was signed by AAHomecare, the American Association for Respiratory Care, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care, the COPD Foundation and the American Lung Association, among others. 

The SOAR Act, introduced April 10, is sponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Mark Warner, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Reps. David Valadao, R-Calif., Julia Brownley, D-Calif., and Adrian Smith, R-Neb. 

The bill would also:  

• Establish an add-on payment rate for respiratory therapy services to the supplemental oxygen rate, including the blended rates for rural and other non-urban areas.  
• Establish and require the use of an electronic template created by CMS to make it easier to prevent fraudulent or abusive claims, clarify patient needs and ensure fair reimbursement.  

Read the letter here.