SOAR Act of 2025
Key claim: The SOAR Act of 2025 would reform Medicare payment for supplemental oxygen by creating separate inflation-indexed payments for oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services outside the competitive acquisition program, covering respiratory therapist services with an additional payment adjustment, requiring a CMS electronic prescribing template, and establishing beneficiary rights such as supplier choice and clear communications.
Abstract
(HR2902 · 119th Congress) Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025 or the SOAR Act of 2025 This bill establishes certain requirements with respect to the payment and provision of supplemental oxygen and related services under Medicare. For example, the bill provides for separate payments, indexed to inflation, of oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services under Medicare (rather than under the competitive acquisition program). It also specifically covers services that are provided by respiratory therapists under Medicare and provides for an additional payment adjustment for these services. Additionally, the bill (1) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop an electronic template for providers to use when prescribing oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services; and (2) establishes certain rights for beneficiaries receiving these items and services, such as the right to choose their suppliers and to receive clear communications and be informed about the services provided. Latest action (2025-04-10): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Why this matters
For Medicare beneficiaries dependent on home oxygen, the bill would change what suppliers are available and what services (including respiratory therapist support) are covered, potentially reversing access and quality concerns attributed to competitive bidding. For DME suppliers and respiratory therapists, it would restructure payment methodology and add new billable services, with inflation indexing intended to stabilize reimbursement over time.