Bills · HR 2902
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2902Health
SOAR Act of 2025
INTRO APR 10· LAST ACTION APR 10
READING
19MIN
COSPONSORS
47BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because access to supplemental oxygen is critical for many people's quality of life and even survival. If payment rates are too low, oxygen suppliers might reduce the areas they serve, limit the types of equipment they offer, or even go out of business, making it harder for Medicare beneficiaries to get necessary oxygen. Currently, many argue that the competitive bidding program for oxygen has led to decreased access and choice for patients, especially in rural areas.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to better availability of oxygen equipment, including liquid oxygen, and more robust support services, potentially improving the health outcomes and daily lives of millions of Medicare patients. If it doesn't pass, the current payment system for oxygen and related services under Medicare's competitive bidding program would continue, which some argue will further limit patient access and options. The bill also touches on fraud prevention and patient rights, aiming to create a more reliable and secure system for oxygen therapy.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Removes oxygen and oxygen-related equipment and services from Medicare's competitive acquisition (bidding) program starting January 1, 2026.
This fundamentally changes how Medicare pays for oxygen, moving away from competitive bidding prices which have been criticized for being too low.
PROVISION 02
Establishes new, specific payment amounts for oxygen and related items based on geographic areas (competitive bidding, rural, other areas), which will be updated annually by inflation.
Aims to provide more stable and potentially higher reimbursement rates for oxygen suppliers, which could improve patient access.
PROVISION 03
Requires a separate, higher payment amount to be established for liquid oxygen and related services, which must be at least 200% of the 2015 fee schedule (inflation-adjusted) and updated annually.
Addresses concerns that liquid oxygen, vital for active patients, is often under-reimbursed, limiting its availability.
PROVISION 04
Aims to improve reimbursement for respiratory therapists who provide care to Medicare beneficiaries.
Could ensure that skilled professionals who manage oxygen therapy are adequately compensated, improving the quality of care.
PROVISION 05
Directs the use of electronic templates to document medical necessity for oxygen and oxygen services, intending to strengthen fraud and abuse protections.
This could streamline paperwork, reduce administrative burden, and prevent improper payments in the Medicare program.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 47
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
36
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 55%
DEM 34 REP 13 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 10
Introduced in House
APR 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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2902
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 10, 2025
Last actionApr 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 10, 2025
House BillHR 2902Health
SOAR Act of 2025
INTRODUCED APR 10, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
19 min
COSPONSORS
47
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
