Breaking Down the SOAR Act: What It Means for Oxygen Access in America
As someone deeply involved in respiratory care, I’ve seen firsthand how critical supplemental oxygen is for patients. From hospital floors to home health visits, access to the right oxygen therapy can mean the difference between independence and hospitalization. That’s why the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act is such an important step forward.
This bipartisan bill, recently reintroduced in Congress, aims to remove major barriers to oxygen access for Medicare beneficiaries. Here’s what’s at the heart of the SOAR Act:
1. More Flexibility in Oxygen Delivery
The SOAR Act would remove oxygen equipment from Medicare’s competitive bidding system—giving patients access to the type and flow of oxygen they actually need, not just what’s cheapest on paper.
2. Liquid Oxygen Accessibility
For those with high-flow needs, this legislation would establish separate payment rates for liquid oxygen. That means more options for patients who’ve historically struggled to access what works best for them.
3. Support for Respiratory Therapists
The bill recognizes the role of RTs by proposing an add-on payment for services provided alongside oxygen delivery. It’s a nod to the work we do—and the care we provide.
4. Protecting Beneficiaries
At its core, the SOAR Act is about people—making sure patients aren’t denied the tools they need to breathe, move, and live fully.
Introduced by leaders across the aisle, including Representatives Valadao, Brownley, Smith, and Evans, along with Senators Cassidy, Warner, and Klobuchar, the SOAR Act is a powerful example of healthcare policy that puts patients first.
It’s been endorsed by major organizations like the American Lung Association, the COPD Foundation, and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
As professionals in this field, it's on us to stay informed—and advocate for reforms that improve care on the front lines. The SOAR Act is a step in that direction.
One step at a time. One breath at a time.
