Washington, D.C. – In honor of World Oxygen Day (October 2), 30 leading patient, provider, and professional organizations have called on Congress to pass the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform or SOAR Act (S. 3821/H.R. 7829). This pivotal legislation seeks to ensure that individuals enrolled in Medicare who rely on supplemental oxygen can access the proper type and level of oxygen they need to live full, healthy lives.
Among the organizations endorsing this critical reform are the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Lung Association, American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation, Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC), and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. On this World Oxygen Day, the groups listed below released this statement to emphasize the vital role supplemental oxygen plays in sustaining life and enhancing health:
“World Oxygen Day is an important time to shine a light on the challenges that many people who depend on supplemental oxygen face every day and underscore the urgent need for oxygen reform in the U.S. Our organizations are urging Congress to get this done this year because oxygen is a lifeline, and patients cannot wait. Many of our constituents—particularly those on Medicare—are homebound due to not having access to the appropriate supplemental oxygen equipment and services. When passed, the SOAR Act would result in people being able to get out of the house to run errands, attend social events, go to work, and spend time with family.
“This legislation is vital to the health and well-being of patients with COPD, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, those awaiting lung transplants, and others with advanced respiratory conditions. Supplemental oxygen can improve survival, reduce symptoms like shortness of breath, and increase physical activity. Stabilizing the Medicare market would also strengthen access for all people requiring supplemental oxygen.
“As we observe World Oxygen Day, our organizations are urging Congress to act swiftly to pass the SOAR Act this year, ensuring that millions of people in the U.S. can have the freedom to live healthier, fuller lives untethered from their homes.”
Here is a link to a recent letter sent to the U.S. Senate and here is a link to a recent letter sent to the U.S. House of Representatives.
List of other organizations supporting SOAR efforts:
Alpha-1 Foundation
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
American Association of Respiratory Care
American College of Chest Physicians
American Lung Association
American Thoracic Society
COPD Foundation
Council for Quality Respiratory Care
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR)
NTM Info & Research, Inc.
PCD Foundation
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
Pulmonary Hypertension Association
Respiratory Health Association
Running On Air
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About the AARC
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), founded in 1947, is the nation’s oldest and largest professional association dedicated to respiratory therapists and health care providers involved in cardiopulmonary care. The AARC strengthens the profession, providing excellence in leadership and education, advancing the art and science of respiratory therapy, and advocating for respiratory therapists, their patients, and caregivers. Fostering a diverse and inclusive membership community worldwide, AARC is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Irving, TX. Learn more about us at www.aarc.org
