Advocacy Groups Pushed for Oxygen Access Reform
As World Oxygen Day draws attention to therapy barriers, thousands of patients seek better access to life-sustaining equipment.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Asthma
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On October 2, 2026, the COPD Foundation marked World Oxygen Day by highlighting persistent challenges in accessing medical oxygen. Patients are currently rallying behind the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act to address systemic hurdles in care delivery.
Why it matters
Medicare reimbursement changes have decreased the availability of liquid oxygen, leaving many patients struggling with equipment access. Furthermore, patients often perceive the initiation of supplemental oxygen as a sign of nearing the end of life, creating a psychological barrier to seeking necessary care.
An American Thoracic Society Nursing Assembly survey of 1,926 supplemental oxygen users found that most participants received equipment training from delivery personnel rather than healthcare professionals. This finding highlights a systemic gap in clinical oversight for chronic respiratory support.
The players
COPD Foundation
A non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through research, advocacy, and education.
American Thoracic Society
A professional medical society that focuses on respiratory health, critical care, and sleep disorders through research, education, and clinical standard-setting.
The details
The proposed SOAR Act aims to stabilize the supply chain by creating separate, inflation-indexed Medicare payments for liquid and non-liquid oxygen. It would also remove oxygen from the current competitive bidding program to improve access and mandate a standardized electronic ordering template. These changes are intended to streamline the delivery process and ensure patients receive professional instruction instead of relying solely on equipment logistics providers.
Timeline
2018: American Thoracic Society survey results were published.
February 2025: The Lancet Global Health Commission released a report on medical oxygen security.
April 2025: The SOAR Act was reintroduced in Congress as H.R. 2902 and S. 1406.
October 2, 2026: The COPD Foundation observed World Oxygen Day.
Health Landscape
This advocacy effort aligns with the systemic findings established by the Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security. It reflects a growing push to reform medical oxygen infrastructure that has historically suffered from fragmented clinical oversight.
Patients who find current equipment training inadequate should discuss their concerns and safety protocols with their primary healthcare provider or pulmonologist. If you are struggling with access to specific types of supplemental oxygen, consider asking your doctor about current insurance coverage options.
The takeaway
Reliable access to medical oxygen is a critical component of managing chronic respiratory disease. If you require supplemental support, keep an updated list of your clinical requirements to facilitate clearer communication with your care team.
Further reading
Learn more about managing respiratory conditions by visiting our Asthma section for expert guidance.
More information
For more information on the initiative, visit the World Oxygen Day participation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hcplive.
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Do you believe patients receive adequate training and support for using supplemental oxygen at home?
