VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

SOAR Act Takes Flight: Bipartisan Push To Improve Supplemental Oxygen Access And Medicare Protections

Published in Government Relations on April 11, 2025

The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. In the House, the bipartisan H.R. 2902 was introduced by Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Gabe Evans (R-CO). Meanwhile, in another show of bipartisan support, S1406, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).  

According to CQRC, the SOAR Act is designed to streamline patients’ access to availability and delivery of supplemental oxygen in three impactful ways:  

  1. Establishing strong patient protections, including the establishment of a standardized, electronic template to protect patients and providers against fraud and abuse. 
  2. Creating a stable Medicare reimbursement rate to safeguard access to the proper oxygen modalities for patients, including liquid oxygen. 
  3. Recognizing the important role of respiratory therapy services with an add-on payment. 

The SOAR Act also aims to remove supplemental oxygen from Medicare’s Competitive Bid Program and establishes separate rates for liquid and non-liquid oxygen. Furthermore, it would require Medicare contractors to adopt a template created by CMS which would aim to prevent fraud and abuse while clarifying needs of the patient—ultimately ensuring fair reimbursement for providers.  

VGM is excited to collaborate and advocate with our industry partners to garner additional support from both chambers on this important piece of legislation. Together, we aim to drive meaningful change and ensure impactful legislative progress that benefits the communities we serve. We will provide updates as they become available.  

Learn more about the SOAR Act here:  

HME News: Bill introduced to ‘maintain and stabilize’ oxygen reimbursement 

CQRC: Supplemental Oxygen Providers & Suppliers Commend Reintroduction of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act in U.S. Congress - CQRC

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers thumbnail State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers Pursuant to the work and community engagement requirements included in H.R.1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an interim final rule mandating a framework for Medicaid departments to follow when evaluating Medicaid beneficiary eligibility. Beginning no later than January 1, 2027, states must require certain adult Medicaid enrollees to demonstrate at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activity, which may include employment, education, or community... North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 thumbnail North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 Earlier this year, it was announced that the North Carolina General Assembly has approved the state budget, securing an additional full two-year extension of the Medicaid fee schedule floor. This protection will now remain in effect until June 30, 2029, guaranteeing that reimbursement rates will continue to be set at 100% of the lesser of the supplier's usual and customary rate or the maximum allowable Medicaid fee-for-service rate. Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform thumbnail 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. Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard thumbnail Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard Summer is the perfect time to connect with your legislators while they are back in their home states and districts. Whether you're building a new relationship or strengthening an existing one, meeting with elected officials is one of the most effective ways to advance policies that protect patient access to home medical equipment and services. Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit thumbnail Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit One of our busiest and without a doubt, one of our favorite weeks of the year is the VGM Heartland Conference. This year kicked off with a special opportunity to bring together DME state association leaders from across the country for a dedicated pre-conference State Leader Summit. The focus was simple but impactful: collaboration, idea sharing, and real conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today. CMS Announces Phase 1: Bid Preparation for Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Announces Phase 1: Bid Preparation for Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program Be sure to review all materials if you are considering a bid submission for Round 2028. CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee Earlier this week, we shared that H.R. 1703 advanced through the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. We are pleased to report that the bill has continued to gain momentum and has now successfully passed out of the full Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously following today's markup. Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 thumbnail Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 CMS has just announced that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member