Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform SOAR Act (H.R. 2902/S. 1406)

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We urge members of Congress to cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform, SOAR Act H.R. 2902/S. 1406 to ensure anyone who requires supplemental oxygen can access the most appropriate type of oxygen for their needs.

More than 1.5 million people in the U.S. rely on supplemental oxygen but often lack access to the equipment that best meets their medical needs.

Patients with advanced pulmonary diseases often require high flow oxygen (6-liters per minute or more). After Medicare’s competitive bidding program reduced reimbursement for liquid oxygen, most suppliers stopped providing it and switched to cheaper compressed oxygen tanks. For perspective: compressed tanks are bulky and typically last only one to two hours, while portable liquid oxygen systems are lightweight, backpack-friendly, and can provide oxygen for up to six hours.

PATIENT IMPACT:

Without access to lightweight, portable, high flow oxygen many patients are effectively homebound unable to work, travel safely, or engage in daily activities outside the home.

HEALTHCARE COST IMPACT:

A 2026 published survey shows that the lack of appropriate home oxygen equipment is delaying hospital discharges nationwide. Patients who are medically ready to go home often remain hospitalized for days simply because medically necessary high flow oxygen equipment is unavailable. Widespread Hospital Discharge Delays Due to Lack of Adequate Home Oxygen Access.

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THE SOAR ACT WILL:

  • Create a patient centered Medicare oxygen benefit, including a Supplemental Oxygen Patient Bill of Rights.
  • Remove supplemental oxygen from Medicare’s competitive bidding program restoring access to medically necessary liquid oxygen and other portable systems.
  • Help to eliminate unnecessary hospital stays and costs associated with them.
  • Strengthen program integrity through standardized documentation and fraud prevention safeguards.
  • Ensure appropriate reimbursement for respiratory therapist services and patient education.

TO BECOME A CO-SPONSOR CONTACT:

House of Representatives

olivia.speno@mail.house.gov (Rep. David Valadao)

Ijeoma.egekeze@mail.house.gov (Rep. Julia Brownley)

Senate

parker_reynolds@cassidy.senate.gov (Sen. Bill Cassidy)

colleen_nguyen@warner.senate.gov (Sen. Mark Warner)

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