Breathing Easier: How the SOAR Act of 2024 Expands Access to Oxygen Care
At P.I. Celkem, we care deeply about innovations that improve life for patients with respiratory conditions like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)—a disease that remains difficult to treat. The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act of 2024 is one such effort, aiming to make oxygen therapy more reliable and accessible for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.
The bill, introduced in Congress earlier this year, takes several meaningful steps:
Stabilizing Supply: Oxygen equipment and services would be removed from competitive bidding, ensuring suppliers can deliver consistent, high-quality care without being underpaid.
Specialized Payments for Liquid Oxygen: Recognizing the higher costs of liquid oxygen, the Act would create dedicated reimbursement rates for patients requiring high-flow therapy.
Recognizing Respiratory Therapists: For the first time, respiratory therapy would be formally covered by Medicare—expanding access to expert care for patients who need it most.
Streamlining Documentation: A new electronic system would simplify medical necessity paperwork and restore clinical judgment in coverage reviews.
Protecting Patient Rights: The Act outlines clear rights for oxygen users, including access to timely repairs, portable oxygen, and emergency continuity plans.
Together, these reforms represent a meaningful shift toward patient-centered respiratory care—an area deeply connected to our mission.
At P.I. Celkem, we continue supporting research and discovery that advance understanding and treatment of pulmonary disease. Policy changes like the SOAR Act remind us that progress in healthcare depends on both scientific innovation and equitable access to care.
