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S1406119th CongressWALLET

SOAR Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

Introduced

Summary

Separate Medicare payments for supplemental oxygen would move oxygen and related supplies out of the competitive bidding program and create new, fee-schedule–based payment rules while expanding supplier duties and beneficiary protections.

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  • People who use supplemental oxygen would get stronger rights and clearer notices. They would receive monthly rental-cap updates, a clear 36-month rental-period disclosure, and at least 30 days' written notice before involuntary discharge.
  • Suppliers and respiratory therapists would face new service requirements and payment changes. Suppliers would perform a uniform patient evaluation, ensure portable oxygen and maintenance, provide education, and offer 24-hour support. Respiratory therapist services would qualify for an add-on payment and scope-of-service rules would take effect one year after enactment.
  • Medicare payments and claims would change to fee-schedule formulas indexed to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers with many rules effective January 1, 2026. Liquid oxygen would get a separate payment floor not less than 200% of the 2015 durable medical equipment fee schedule and a monthly high-flow add-on for higher prescribed flow rates.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher Medicare payments for oxygen care

If enacted, Medicare would create a separate payment system for oxygen and related equipment starting January 1, 2026. Payments could not be less than 200% of the 2015 DME fee schedule updated by CPI‑U for 2016–2025, and a temporary payment equal to that 200% floor would apply from enactment until the new rules start. Payments would be set by area formulas and indexed by CPI‑U beginning January 1, 2027. If your prescription is for 6 liters per minute or more, Medicare would add a monthly high‑flow payment tied to per‑pound oxygen costs. Medicare would also recognize respiratory therapist services starting January 1, 2026 and provide a separate RT payment add‑on.

Coverage and documentation rules for oxygen

If enacted, the Secretary would set objective coverage criteria for liquid oxygen and related items by January 1, 2026 and review them at least every five years. For items furnished on or after January 1, 2026, prescribing practitioners would complete an HHS/CMS electronic template documenting visit timing, qualifying blood gas or saturation results, and that the patient needs or uses the equipment. Medicare contractors would adjudicate such claims electronically. Audits of claims submitted after enactment would allow clinical inference and judgment consistent with pre‑2009 practice.

Notices and supplier duties for oxygen

If enacted, suppliers would have to give an annual notice that explains the 36‑month rental period, your cost‑sharing rules, your rights to discuss prescriptions, and how to file grievances. Suppliers would also have to send monthly notices showing how many rental months remain. The Secretary would set regulations protecting beneficiary rights and, one year after enactment, would require suppliers to provide defined services to get Medicare payment, including a uniform initial evaluation form, education, delivery and setup, monitoring visits, and 24‑hour on‑call coverage.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

LA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 4/10/2025

  • Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 4/10/2025

  • Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 10/3/2025

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 12/16/2025

  • Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 6/10/2026

  • Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]

    AR • R

    Sponsored 6/15/2026

  • Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 7/21/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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