The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is making a big push this month to advocate for the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act. Supplemental oxygen is an essential part of PH treatment for many people, but many people can’t access the type and amount they need.

The SOAR Act would make it easier for people with lung diseases like PH to access the right type of oxygen they need. The bill proposes coverage based on clinical necessity and a patient bill of rights. It also would remove oxygen from Medicare’s competitive bidding process to stabilize payments. The bill also would permit respiratory therapists to be reimbursed for services.

Effective advocacy tips

• Include a personal touch. Use PHA’s customizable message template to share your or a loved one’s experiences with supplemental oxygen or express the importance of supplemental oxygen to people in the PH community.
• Be the squeaky wheel. Legislators pay more attention to issues when they receive many messages on the same topic. Even if you’ve sent your lawmakers messages about the SOAR Act in the past, use PHA’s June Advocacy Challenge as an opportunity to remind them that oxygen access can’t wait.
• Reinforce your message. You can increase public awareness through social media. Post that you’ve joined PHA’s June Advocacy Challenge for the SOAR Act and tag your legislators to urge their support. Use online directories to find contact information for senators and representatives. Pro tip: Typing @[LegislatorName] as you create your post will generally bring up their social media account.