COPD Foundation Observed World Oxygen Day
The foundation highlighted oxygen access challenges as advocacy groups push for federal reform.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Asthma
Live Poll
Do you believe patients receive adequate training and support for using supplemental oxygen at home?
The COPD Foundation marked World Oxygen Day on October 2, 2026, to draw attention to the barriers patients face in accessing supplemental oxygen. Advocates are currently pushing for the passage of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act to address these issues.
Why it matters
Patients often view the requirement of supplemental oxygen as a sign of end-of-life care, and Medicare reimbursement cuts have further restricted access to essential liquid oxygen. Reform efforts aim to standardize care and improve delivery infrastructure across the healthcare system.
A survey of 1,926 users revealed that most patients receive equipment training from delivery personnel rather than healthcare professionals. Additionally, 3 dozen advocacy organizations currently support the SOAR Act.
The players
COPD Foundation
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through advocacy and education.
American Thoracic Society
This professional medical association focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine and conducts research into patient care standards.
The details
The SOAR Act, reintroduced in April 2025 as H.R. 2902 and S. 1406, seeks to establish inflation-indexed Medicare payments and remove oxygen from the competitive bidding program. The COPD Foundation continues to coordinate advocacy efforts through its Oxygen 360 initiative and the Oxy Talk discussion forum.
Timeline
2018: American Thoracic Society published survey results.
February 2025: Lancet Global Health Commission published its medical oxygen report.
April 2025: SOAR Act was reintroduced as H.R. 2902 and S. 1406.
October 2, 2026: The COPD Foundation observed World Oxygen Day.
Health Landscape
This advocacy effort follows the legislative framework proposed in the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act to address systemic failures. It mirrors findings from the February 2025 Lancet Global Health Commission report, which emphasized the global need for improved medical oxygen security.
The proposed legislative changes could improve the consistency and quality of equipment training for patients using supplemental oxygen. If passed, the SOAR Act would also reform Medicare payment structures to ensure better availability of liquid oxygen supplies.
The takeaway
Patients who rely on supplemental oxygen should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure their training and equipment needs are met despite current system limitations. Advocacy for updated federal policies remains a critical path for improving long-term care standards.
Further reading
Learn more about respiratory health initiatives on our Asthma section page.
More information
To get involved or learn more about the initiative, visit the World Oxygen Day participation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hcplive.
Live Poll
Do you believe patients receive adequate training and support for using supplemental oxygen at home?
