S.1406 - Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025; SOAR Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025 (SOAR Act) aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and related equipment, increase beneficiary access, and enhance program integrity. The bill addresses issues such as removing oxygen equipment from competitive acquisition programs, establishing adequate payment structures, and defining supplier responsibilities. It also focuses on protecting access to respiratory therapists and strengthening fraud and abuse protections through electronic templates.
Expected Effects
The SOAR Act is likely to lead to changes in how Medicare beneficiaries access and pay for supplemental oxygen. It will also affect the responsibilities of oxygen suppliers and the role of respiratory therapists in patient care. The shift to electronic templates and enhanced monitoring aims to reduce fraud and improve the quality of care.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to supplemental oxygen therapy for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural and non-contiguous areas.
- Enhanced payment structures for oxygen and related equipment, potentially leading to better quality equipment and services.
- Clearer definition of supplier responsibilities, ensuring beneficiaries receive comprehensive care and support.
- Increased protection against fraud and abuse through the use of electronic templates and strengthened program integrity measures.
- Greater beneficiary rights, including the right to choose suppliers and receive clear communication about their treatment and financial responsibilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to the Medicare system due to enhanced payment structures and additional services.
- Possible administrative burden on suppliers and healthcare providers due to new requirements for electronic templates and reporting.
- Risk of unintended consequences from the implementation of new regulations, such as limiting supplier choices or creating barriers to access for some beneficiaries.
- The act's reliance on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for annual payment updates may not accurately reflect the actual costs of providing oxygen and related services.
- The one-year delay in the effective date of some provisions may create uncertainty for suppliers and beneficiaries.
Constitutional Alignment
The SOAR Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to healthcare and Social Security under its powers enumerated in Article I, Section 8. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties. The establishment of beneficiary rights aligns with principles of due process and equal protection, ensuring fair treatment and access to essential healthcare services.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).