Proposed Legislation Will Improve Supplemental Oxygen Access
Bipartisan bills could change how patients access essential respiratory equipment and oxygen therapy.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Asthma
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Advocates are pushing for the passage of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act before the current Congress concludes on January 3, 2027. The legislation aims to improve access to portable high-flow liquid oxygen for the more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. who rely on it.
Why it matters
Current Medicare systems make obtaining supplemental oxygen difficult, potentially impeding necessary respiratory care. The proposed reform seeks to address these access barriers while tightening documentation requirements to better manage program resources.
The proposed legislation currently holds 69 House and 9 Senate cosponsors, representing a bipartisan effort to address systemic hurdles for the 1.5 million Americans using supplemental oxygen. The ultimate impact of these changes on patient outcomes remains under legislative review.
The players
American Lung Association
A national nonprofit organization that promotes lung health and fights respiratory disease through research and advocacy.
COPD Foundation
A patient-centered organization focused on improving the lives of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Council for Quality Respiratory Care
A coalition of respiratory care providers and manufacturers that advocates for policy changes in the home oxygen industry.
The details
The SOAR Act works by reforming the existing protocols for respiratory care access and patient education. By strengthening Medicare documentation requirements, the legislation intends to reduce opportunities for fraud and abuse within the system. These changes specifically target improvements for patients who require portable high-flow liquid oxygen to manage chronic respiratory conditions.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: Council for Quality Respiratory Care issued an announcement.
December 31, 2026: Target deadline for legislative passage.
January 3, 2027: Current Congress session concludes.
Health Landscape
This legislation attempts to modernize long-standing Medicare standards that advocates argue have hindered patient access to portable oxygen technology. It follows a pattern of efforts to reform chronic care delivery as the population of patients requiring home respiratory support grows.
If you or a family member rely on supplemental oxygen, monitor these bills to see if they simplify your future equipment procurement. You may wish to discuss potential changes in oxygen therapy access or equipment coverage with your primary care physician.
The takeaway
The SOAR Act represents a significant push to simplify oxygen access for over 1.5 million Americans. Patients should monitor legislative progress and speak with their pulmonologist about how current Medicare documentation impacts their specific treatment needs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in respiratory health at Asthma.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HME Business.
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Should the federal government pass new legislation to expand patient access to supplemental medical equipment?
