Contact Congress about S. 1406: SOAR Act of 2025
Medicare would pay for home oxygen under new rules instead of the current bidding system. Patients would get clearer notices about costs and rights, and Medicare would cover some respiratory therapist services.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
SOAR Act of 2025 is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Latest action on S. 1406: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people on Medicare who use oxygen at home or while traveling. It also affects oxygen suppliers, respiratory therapists, doctors who prescribe oxygen, and Medicare contractors that process claims.
Why this matters: People who depend on oxygen need reliable equipment, clear costs, and suppliers who can support them. This bill tries to make oxygen access more stable by changing Medicare payment rules and setting clearer service standards. It could help patients understand their rights and costs. It could also raise Medicare spending or add paperwork for suppliers and clinicians.
Key provisions in S. 1406
- Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare could no longer put oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services in its bidding program. Medicare would use new fee-schedule payment rules instead.
- Medicare would pay different amounts based on the area. The bill sets rules for bidding areas, rural and non-contiguous areas such as Alaska, Hawaii, and territories, and all other areas. It uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, an inflation measure, for yearly updates.
- Liquid oxygen would get its own payment method. The payment must be at least 200% of the 2015 durable medical equipment fee schedule, updated for inflation through 2025, with yearly inflation updates starting in 2027.
- Until the final liquid oxygen rate is ready, Medicare must pay a temporary amount. That temporary amount uses the same 200% floor and inflation updates from the date the bill becomes law until the permanent rate starts.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services must set clear medical rules for liquid oxygen by January 1, 2026. The Secretary must review and update those rules at least every 5 years.
How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1406
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about S. 1406
- What is S. 1406?
- Medicare would pay for home oxygen under new rules instead of the current bidding system. Patients would get clearer notices about costs and rights, and Medicare would cover some respiratory therapist services.
- How do I support or oppose S. 1406?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about S. 1406?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain S. 1406 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
