Bill Proposes to Strike Oxygen Provision from DRA

WASHINGTON–In response to patient safety issues raised by the
American Association for Homecare, the American Lung Association
and other advocates, a bill introduced late last month in the House
of Representatives would do away with the Deficit Reduction Act’s
mandate for oxygen capped rental.

The Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Joe
Schwarz, R-Mich., a physician, calls for repeal of a DRA provision
that limits rental of all home oxygen equipment to 36 months then
transfers ownership to the beneficiary, changing oxygen from a
continuous rental to a rent-to-purchase item (see HomeCare
Monday, Jan. 9).

Providers and other stakeholders have argued that the new policy
could put patients, many elderly and frail seniors, in danger if
they are responsible for upkeep and maintenance of oxygen
equipment–a service many companies currently provide as part of
the rental fee.

“This bill can help a million Americans to breathe easier,” said
AAHomecare Chairman Tom Ryan. “The association is grateful to
Congressman Schwarz and the co-sponsors for their leadership and
understanding of the importance of medical oxygen therapy provided
at home.”

Co-sponsors of the bill include another physician, Rep. Tom
Price, R-Ga., as well as four Ohio congressmen: Reps. Ralph Regula,
Patrick Tiberi, David Hobson and Tim Ryan.

According to AAHomecare, medical oxygen therapy at home costs an
average of $2,400 per year under Medicare, about half the cost of
an average single day in the hospital.

To view the text of H.R. 5513, visit http://thomas.loc.gov.