SLS 23RS-1659 ORIGINAL
2023 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 111
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
MEDICAID. Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to authorize coverage through
the Medicaid program for portable oxygen concentrators, when medically necessary.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to authorize coverage through the
3 Louisiana Medicaid program for portable oxygen concentrators, when medically
4 necessary.
5 WHEREAS, oxygen is an essential medicine used to care for patients at all levels of
6 the healthcare system, including in surgery, trauma, heart failure, asthma, pneumonia, and
7 maternal and child care; and
8 WHEREAS, oxygen concentrators are devices that draw room air through a series
9 of filters that remove dust, bacteria, and other particulates; and
10 WHEREAS, an oxygen concentrator delivers supplemental oxygen to individuals
11 who experience drops in blood oxygen levels due to medical conditions such as chronic
12 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COVID-19, and lung cancer; and
13 WHEREAS, there are two common types of oxygen concentrators: stationary and
14 portable; and
15 WHEREAS, a portable oxygen concentrator draws oxygen from the air around it,
16 eliminating the need for refillable tanks and making it smaller and lighter than stationary
17 oxygen concentrators or portable oxygen tanks; and
18 WHEREAS, most portable oxygen concentrators are shorter than knee height and are
Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 111
SLS 23RS-1659 ORIGINAL
1 designed to be carried or carted around; and
2 WHEREAS, because portable oxygen concentrators are smaller and lighter, they
3 allow an individual to move around freely and receive supplemental oxygen while
4 performing normal daytime activities or at night to help maintain blood oxygen levels while
5 sleeping; and
6 WHEREAS, there may be a significant increase in not only quality of care, but also
7 quality of life for patients who use portable oxygen concentrators, especially in rural
8 healthcare settings and for pediatric patients; and
9 WHEREAS, Louisiana's Medicaid program currently covers portable oxygen tanks,
10 but does not allow the option of a portable oxygen concentrator; and
11 WHEREAS, a portable oxygen concentrator may help keep Louisiana residents
12 enrolled in Medicaid both active and in compliance with prescribed oxygen therapy for a
13 healthier, happier, and longer life.
14 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
15 does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to authorize coverage
16 through the Louisiana Medicaid program for portable oxygen concentrators, when medically
17 necessary.
18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
19 secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon.
DIGEST
SR 111 Original 2023 Regular Session Boudreaux
Requests the La. Dept. of Health to authorize coverage through the La. Medicaid program
for portable oxygen concentrators, when medically necessary.
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