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Let’s SOAR! Are you aware of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform S.O.A.R. Act?
Hi everyone!
I wonder how many of you are aware of the S.O.A.R. Act and whether you’re working to get it passed in Congress. This bill establishes certain requirements with respect to the payment and provision of supplemental oxygen and related services under Medicare and parts of Medicaid.
Passing this bill means that people who need a higher concentration of oxygen would have a much higher chance of getting liquid oxygen covered by Medicare and Medicaid. That’s right! People can leave their house without worrying that their oxygen will run out, and won’t have to carry the huge, heavy tanks around.
It also specifically covers services that are provided by respiratory therapists under Medicare and provides for an additional payment adjustment for these services.
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop an electronic template for providers to use when prescribing oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services; and establishes certain rights for beneficiaries receiving these items and services, such as the right to choose their suppliers and to receive clear communications and be informed about the services provided.
Representative David Valadao, of California, introduced the bill to the House of Representatives. 18 Congressmen co-sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives.
Louisiana’s Senator, Bill Cassidy, introduced the bill to the Senate. Only two Senators are co-sponsoring the bill at this time.
We need to get as many people as we can to contact their Congressmen and ask them to support the SOAR Act! Use the link below to contact Congress. Look on the lighter gray area on the right, it says, “Give Feedback on This Bill,” and below that is the blue link that reads, “Contact Your Member.”
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2902/cosponsors
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1406
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8 Replies
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Hey @BreathtakingAwareness , thank you for the reminder—it’s so important for all of us to reach out to our congressional representatives. Jolie shared some helpful links, and I’d like to add that you can also use the PHA Advocacy Center’s resources to contact your officials quickly. Take a few minutes to share your story and help us advocate for the protection of individuals who rely on supplemental oxygen.
It’s simple and only takes a few minutes of your time. PHA makes it simple for us!
Help the PH Community, SOAR! Let’s protect Supplemental Oxygen! <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Could you spare a moment to lend your support to this act?
https://phassociation.org/advocate/write/#/63
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@JoliefromThePHlip-side I was not aware of the S.O.A.R Act! Thank you for bringing this to my attention and to others’. This is advocacy at its highest level.
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Thanks so much! That was last year’s post, but I’m still advocating for the SOAR Act. I have recently gone with PHA again to advocate for it. I have the podcast here. I’ve been a cohost for the podcast this season.
https://phinsights.podbean.com/e/pha-advocacy-on-capitol-hill-how-patient-voices-shape-policy/
phinsights.podbean.com
Advocacy on Capitol Hill: How Patient Voices Shape Policy | PH Insights
Host: Jolie Lizana, PAH patient and advocate Guests: Matt Granato, LL.M., MBA, PHA's President and CEO; Kevin Heyen, PHA's Vice President, Development & Industry Relations; Jaeger Spratt, MSW, PHA’s advocacy and treatment access program manager; Eric Borstein, PAH patient and … Continue reading
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@JoliefromThePHlip-side You are a great voice for the PH Community! Thank you!
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You’re so kind. You are also a great voice for the community. Thank you for all you do!
We don’t do this for a thank you or a pat on the back. We volunteer our time and talents to advocate for the community, BUT it really is nice to hear that we’re appreciated. Is it not?
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@JoliefromThePHlip-side very true! Advocating for PH should not be about the recognition for doing so. I hope highlighting what people are doing for PH might inspire others to step up tp the plate too. Again, thank you for all of your efforts!
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I also wrote a column about it. I hope that others see the importance and begin to advocate. We all must stand up for ourselves and one another. Thank you so much for your comment!
https://pulmonaryhypertensionnews.com/columns/legislative-advocacy-make-difference-ph-care/
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Forgive my inability to figure out something simple, but I am interested in hearing the podcast that you referenced. When I click on the link, it takes me to the PodBean site, but not to the actual podcast. There was a time when I was more adept to computer skills, but, unfortunately, not so much anymore. I recently sent letters to ask for support to my representatives and senators, but would like to know what else I can do. My oxygen company is quitting liquid and I still want a life outside!
Thanks,
Lisa
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