CMS Proposes Changes to Oxygen NCD

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 6, 2021)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) has published proposed changes to the Oxygen National Coverage Determination (NCD) based on public comments from last year’s opening of the National Coverage Analysis (NCA) for Home Use of Oxygen Use to Treat Cluster Headaches. Proposed changes include but are not limited to:

• Removal of oxygen CMN
• Coverage for acute conditions
• Removal of trial of alternative therapies

The revised changes appear to have the effect of expanding the use of home-based oxygen and other policy recommendations AAHomecare has championed with CMS.

In the Analysis section discussing changes to Section D1 of 1993 NCD 240.2 (Conditions for Which Oxygen May Be Covered), CMS notes that the new guidance “will reinforce that patients suffering from any medical condition, be it of respiratory or non-respiratory origin, may receive home oxygen and oxygen equipment for the duration of illness, be it short or long term, if this service is otherwise reasonable and necessary.” 

Find the full details here.

CMS is accepting public comments on the proposed changes until August 1 and will publish a finalized Oxygen NCD after their review of the comments. See the “Comment” tab at the top of the memo linked above to provide input to CMS.