Help Us Advance the SOAR Act
We are excited to share that the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act has been officially reintroduced in the 119th Congress!
- House Bill (H.R. 2902) is sponsored by Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Adrian Smith (R-MO), and Gabe Evans (R-CO).
- Senate Bill (S.1406) is sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
This bipartisan legislation is gaining momentum—but we need your help to build support and secure additional co-sponsors in both chambers.
Why the SOAR Act Matters
Supplemental oxygen is a lifeline for more than 1.5 million Americans living with advanced lung and heart diseases, including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, and those awaiting lung transplants. Yet far too many face challenges in accessing the right type and amount of oxygen due to outdated Medicare policies and a lack of access to respiratory therapists.
Without action, many patients are forced to remain homebound or hospitalized, simply because they cannot get the equipment—especially liquid oxygen—that allows them to live independently and safely.
What the SOAR Act Will Do
- Make oxygen access patient-centered, not one-size-fits-all.
- Replace the term “home oxygen” with “supplemental oxygen” to support life outside the home.
- Create a Patients’ Bill of Rights to ensure care is tailored to individual needs.
- Establish a statutory service element, giving patients access to respiratory therapists.
- Ensure access to liquid oxygen, a portable and essential form of therapy for many.
- Streamline documentation to reduce burdens on providers while maintaining program integrity.
As AARC President Dana Evans stated, "Advocating for improved patient access to respiratory care outside the acute care setting would allow supplemental oxygen patients to lead fuller and more robust lives without financial hardship worries."
What You Can Do Right Now
Congress is currently in district recess for the next two weeks, offering the perfect opportunity to:
- Schedule local meetings with your elected officials,
- Share your story or that of your patients, and
- Encourage lawmakers to co-sponsor H.R. 2902 or S.1406.