Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform

Published in Government Relations on July 01, 2026

Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform 

Washington, D.C. — A broad coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, and patient advocates is calling on Congress to advance the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902 / S. 1406) to protect patient access to life-sustaining oxygen therapy. 

In a joint letter to House Energy & Commerce Committee leaders, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC), VGM Group, and American Association for Homecare emphasized strong bipartisan support and the urgent need to move the legislation forward before the August recess.  

The SOAR Act would improve access for the more than 1.5 million Americans who rely on supplemental oxygen by stabilizing the delivery system, preserving respiratory therapy services, and modernizing documentation to reduce fraud and improper payments.  

With over 60 bipartisan House co-sponsors and momentum from a recent subcommittee hearing, the coalition highlighted the bill’s readiness for action and its importance as a targeted, patient-centered reform.  

Call to Action 

The coalition urges Congress to act swiftly to advance the SOAR Act and safeguard access to essential care for oxygen-dependent patients. 

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