S. 1406 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Apr 10, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMedicare changes how it pays for supplemental oxygen
This bill changes how Medicare handles supplemental oxygen and related services. Instead of going through a competitive bidding program, Medicare would pay separately for oxygen equipment, supplies, and services, with payments adjusted for inflation. The bill also covers respiratory therapist services under Medicare and requires a new electronic form for prescribing oxygen, while giving Medicare beneficiaries clearer information and the right to choose their suppliers.
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare and use supplemental oxygen, this could affect you directly. You'd have more control over choosing your oxygen supplier and would get clearer information about what services you're receiving. The changes are designed to make the oxygen payment system more transparent and stable for seniors and others who depend on these medical services.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Apr 10, 2025)
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 1406
A BILL
SOAR Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) · Introduced Apr 10, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 10, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.”
Sections
Sections · 1
Title I — Protect beneficiary access to supplemental oxygen therapy in the home and community · 3
Title II — Protecting beneficiary access to respiratory therapists · 1
Title III — Adoption of electronic templates to strengthen fraud and abuse protections and ensure program integrity · 2
- Sec. 301Strengthening program integrity through the use of electronic templates to document medical necessity, and restoring clinical inference for oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and servicesNo change
- Sec. 302Establishing notice requirements for individuals receiving oxygen or oxygen related equipment, supplies, or servicesNo change