AAHomecare reported last week that its New Oxygen Coalition continues to work toward consensus on a plan for reform of the Medicare home oxygen benefit. A nine-member subcommittee working within the coalition has met several times, the association said, and hopes to have a final document for consideration within the next few weeks. With oxygen a potential target for additional cuts by Congress, the group is aiming for a plan that would repeal the 36-month cap, remove oxygen from competitive bidding and recognize service requirements for oxygen providers.
According to some in the workgroup, the main sticking point is agreement on the approach to oxygen payment. A plan from AAHomecare and the Council for Quality Respiratory Care includes a case mix-adjusted payment system, but alternatives have been offered by the Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Services and Jason Rogers, president of the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Services. For more, see "Oxygen Stakeholders Work toward Common Ground," HomeCare Monday, Feb. 9.