What does Preamble of S 1406 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, to increase beneficiary access to oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, and for other purposes,' aims to modify payment methods for oxygen and related services under the Social Security Act. The bill intends to enhance beneficiary access to oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services.

What does SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. of S 1406 do?

This bill is formally titled the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025.

What does Short title; table of contents. of S 1406 do?

This bill is formally titled The Home and Community.

What does Reimbursement for respiratory therapists. of S 1406 do?

This section addresses reimbursement for respiratory therapists. The section aims to establish abuse protections and ensure program integrity.

What does Strengthening program integrity through the use of electronic of S 1406 do?

This section focuses on strengthening program integrity. It aims to achieve this through the use of electronic templates to document medical necessity. The section also intends to restore clinical inference for oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services.

What does Establishing notice requirements for individuals receiving of S 1406 do?

This section establishes notice requirements for individuals receiving oxygen or oxygen-related equipment, supplies, or services.

What does Establishing protections for individuals receiving oxygen or of S 1406 do?

This section establishes protections for individuals receiving oxygen or oxygen-related equipment, supplies, or services.

What does REFORM OF THE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN BENEFIT. of S 1406 do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to remove oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services from the Competitive Acquisition Program, effective January 1, 2026. Payment for these items will be made according to existing provisions of section 1834(a)(9) of the Social Security Act. Payment amounts will vary based on geographic location (competitive bidding areas, rural areas, and other areas). For liquid oxygen, a separate payment amount will be established by the Secretary, considering factors like cost and infrastructure, and will be updated annually based on the consumer price index. A transitional interim payment will be in effect before the new liquid oxygen payment amount is implemented.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN RESPONSIBILITIES of S 1406 do?

This section amends Section 1834(a)(9) of the Social Security Act to define the scope of services oxygen suppliers must provide to receive payment. The Secretary is required to define these services in consultation with stakeholders. The required services include conducting initial evaluations, ensuring access to portable oxygen, providing education to beneficiaries and caregivers, and coordinating delivery and setup of equipment. Suppliers must evaluate beneficiary ability to operate equipment, provide infection control information, and monitor visits when necessary. The amendment mandates documentation of compliance changes, continued education on maintenance, and provision of appropriate equipment and services as prescribed. Suppliers must ensure oxygen equipment can be used outside the home and provide 24-hour on-call coverage. The section also requires suppliers to assist beneficiaries with coordinating services and finding alternative suppliers if needed. The amendment will take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act.

What does TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. of S 1406 do?

This section amends Section 1861(n).

Back to bills

SOAR Act of 2025 — S. 1406

Last updated: 4/10/2025 · Introduced: 4/10/2025

Author: Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill removes oxygen and related equipment from the Competitive Acquisition Program, reverting to existing payment methods based on geographic location.
It establishes new requirements for oxygen suppliers, mandating services like initial evaluations, beneficiary education, and ensuring access to portable oxygen, to be defined by the Secretary.
The bill requires suppliers to provide monthly notices to beneficiaries regarding rental periods, cost-sharing, and grievance processes.
It includes respiratory therapist services within Medicare's definition of covered medical services and establishes a payment adjustment for these services.
The bill mandates the use of electronic templates for documenting medical necessity for oxygen and related services, incorporating clinical inference in payment audits.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 2902(In Committee)Official page

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