SOAR Act of 2024 Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2024
The proposed legislation will have a significant impact on the accessibility and management of supplemental oxygen therapy for beneficiaries. Notably, it excludes oxygen and equipment from the competitive acquisition program effective from January 1, 2025, ensuring that payment for these essential services is determined on a cost-related basis rather than through competitive bidding. This could potentially enhance supplier responsiveness to patient needs by allowing for a more tailored approach to reimbursement based on individual patient situations and costs associated with providing services.
House Bill 7829, known as the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2024 (SOAR Act), aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and related services, enhancing beneficiary access. This bill introduces reforms to the Medicare supplemental oxygen benefit, establishing clear criteria for the responsibilities of those supplying oxygen and its related equipment. It emphasizes patient-centered approaches by mandating that beneficiaries receive appropriate education and timely services from their suppliers, as well as ensuring that they can select and switch suppliers as needed.
While HB 7829 has been framed as a vital enhancement for patient access, it has also drawn some scrutiny. Opponents of the bill may express concerns regarding the potential for increased healthcare costs given the removal from the competitive acquisition program alongside the establishment of a new reimbursement structure for oxygen and related services. Moreover, stakeholders in the respiratory care field may debate the effectiveness of the payment adjustments and the criteria established for suppliers, questioning whether these changes will indeed lead to better outcomes for beneficiaries or exacerbate existing challenges in accessing care.