News
VOICES: 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…
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)…
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…
CQRC 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…
World Oxygen Day: National Health Groups Amplify Patient Voices to Stress Importance of Oxygen Reform
WASHINGTON, DC – (October 2, 2025) – Today, in honor of World Oxygen Day (October 2), leading patient, provider, and professional organizations are amplifying the voices of people on supplemental oxygen to stress the critical importance of oxygen reform and the urgent need for legislative action. These advocates, representing the 1.5 million people in the U.S. who rely…
Lung Patient Community Calls for Supplemental Oxygen Reform
Mary was diagnosed with a rare lung disease at 40 years old. Beverly loves playing tennis but struggles to do so with an oxygen tank. Sarah’s active lifestyle depends on access to liquid oxygen so that she can leave the house for more than a few hours. These stories are similar to many more shared on Capitol Hill for the American…
CQRC OFFERS UP SOAR ACT AS WAY TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO NEW TECH
The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) shared a letter with the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee in advance of its hearing “Examining Policies to Enhance Seniors’ Access to Breakthrough Medical Technologies” to promote its SOAR Act. In the letter, the CQRC makes the case that the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (S. 1406/H.R. 2902) would: “Earlier…
SOAR Act Would Help Individuals Relying on Oxygen Thrive
For many, going to the grocery store, stopping by the post office, or attending a college class barely requires a second thought. But for patients like me who rely on supplemental oxygen, these activities require careful consideration about how many tanks of oxygen I’ll need to bring and whether I can make it back home…