Summary of HR 2902 - SOAR Act of 2025

Bill Title: Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025 (SOAR Act of 2025)

Bill Number: HR 2902

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: April 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The SOAR Act of 2025 aims to enhance access to supplemental oxygen therapy for beneficiaries, improve the reimbursement process for respiratory therapists, and strengthen fraud protections within the Medicare system. The legislation seeks to ensure that individuals requiring oxygen therapy receive necessary support and services in a timely and efficient manner.

Key Provisions

The bill is organized into four main titles, each addressing critical aspects of supplemental oxygen access and related services:

TITLE I: Protect Beneficiary Access to Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

• Sec. 101: Reform of the Medicare supplemental oxygen benefit to improve access for beneficiaries.
• Sec. 102: Establishment of criteria for supplemental oxygen responsibilities, ensuring clarity in the provision of services.
• Sec. 103: Technical corrections to existing laws to enhance the effectiveness of the supplemental oxygen benefit.

TITLE II: Protecting Beneficiary Access to Respiratory Therapists

• Sec. 201: Introduces reimbursement provisions for respiratory therapists, facilitating better access to professional care for patients requiring oxygen therapy.

TITLE III: Adoption of Electronic Templates

• Sec. 301: Strengthens program integrity by mandating the use of electronic templates to document medical necessity for oxygen and related services, thereby reducing fraud and abuse.
• Sec. 302: Establishes notice requirements for individuals receiving oxygen or related equipment, ensuring they are informed about their rights and services.

TITLE IV: Establishment of Beneficiary Rights

• Sec. 401: Establishes protections for individuals receiving oxygen therapy and related services, reinforcing their rights and access to necessary care.

Impact

The SOAR Act of 2025 is expected to benefit:
- Medicare Beneficiaries: Individuals requiring supplemental oxygen therapy will have improved access to necessary services and equipment.
- Respiratory Therapists: Enhanced reimbursement provisions will support respiratory therapists in providing care.
- Healthcare Providers: The introduction of electronic templates aims to streamline documentation processes, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing program integrity.

Legislative Actions

• April 10, 2025: The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators, including:
- Primary Sponsor: David G. Valadao
- Cosponsors: Michael Lawler, Chrissy Houlahan, Donald G. Davis, Adrian Smith, Josh Harder, Juan Ciscomani, Gabe Evans, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Julia Brownley, Jill N. Tokuda, Josh Gottheimer, Cleo Fields, Debbie Dingell, Steve Cohen, Gabe Vasquez, and Deborah K. Ross, Marilyn Strickland.

Related Bills

• S 1406: Companion bill in the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of the SOAR Act of 2025, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on beneficiaries and healthcare providers.