BALTIMORE--CMS has issued a preliminary decision that would expand Medicare coverage criteria for home oxygen.
After considering the issue for several months, the agency concluded home oxygen is "reasonable and necessary" for Medicare beneficiaries with arterial oxygen partial measurements from 55 to 65 mm Hg or whose oxygen saturation is at or above 89 percent.
Current policy, which has been in effect since 1993, covers beneficiaries with arterial oxygen partial measurements at or below 55 mm Hg or whose oxygen saturation is at or below 88 percent.
The agency's proposal includes issuing a national coverage determination to cover beneficiaries meeting the new criteria who are enrolled in clinical trials identified by CMS and sponsored by the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute.
CMS is seeking public comment before making its final decision. To view the proposed decision memo and submit comments, click here.