2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 111
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to authorize coverage through the
Louisiana Medicaid program for portable oxygen concentrators, when medically
necessary.
WHEREAS, oxygen is an essential medicine used to care for patients at all levels of
the healthcare system, including in surgery, trauma, heart failure, asthma, pneumonia, and
maternal and child care; and
WHEREAS, oxygen concentrators are devices that draw room air through a series
of filters that remove dust, bacteria, and other particulates; and
WHEREAS, an oxygen concentrator delivers supplemental oxygen to individuals
who experience drops in blood oxygen levels due to medical conditions such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COVID-19, and lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, there are two common types of oxygen concentrators: stationary and
portable; and
WHEREAS, a portable oxygen concentrator draws oxygen from the air around it,
eliminating the need for refillable tanks and making it smaller and lighter than stationary
oxygen concentrators or portable oxygen tanks; and
WHEREAS, most portable oxygen concentrators are shorter than knee height and are
designed to be carried or carted around; and
WHEREAS, because portable oxygen concentrators are smaller and lighter, they
allow an individual to move around freely and receive supplemental oxygen while
performing normal daytime activities or at night to help maintain blood oxygen levels while
sleeping; and
WHEREAS, there may be a significant increase in not only quality of care, but also
quality of life for patients who use portable oxygen concentrators, especially in rural
healthcare settings and for pediatric patients; and
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WHEREAS, Louisiana's Medicaid program currently covers portable oxygen tanks,
but does not allow the option of a portable oxygen concentrator; and
WHEREAS, a portable oxygen concentrator may help keep Louisiana residents
enrolled in Medicaid both active and in compliance with prescribed oxygen therapy for a
healthier, happier, and longer life.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to authorize coverage
through the Louisiana Medicaid program for portable oxygen concentrators, when medically
necessary.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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