Congress Has Already Dramatically Cut the Home Oxygen Therapy Benefit:

The DRA capped rental payments for home oxygen therapy at 36 months, and mandates that beneficiaries own the equipment at that time. Home oxygen payments have been drastically reduced over the last decade. The BBA of 97 produced a 30% cut in the home oxygen payment in conjunction with CPI freezes that are still in place today. The FEHBP cuts resulting from the MMA added another 12% cut in the home oxygen therapy payment.


Congress Has Already Rejected a Similar Proposal

"During deliberations on the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Congress already rejected an 18-month cap of rental payments for home oxygen therapy. Similarly, Congress should reject this draconian proposal," continued Mixon. "The Administration's proposal to sharply limit the home oxygen therapy must be rejected by the Congress.

Not a MedPAC Recommendation

Unlike many other Medicare proposals in the Administration's budget proposals, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission did not recommend any cuts or changes to the way Medicare pays for home oxygen therapy.

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