The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Access Act of 2021 (S.2189) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make a determination that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a qualified health plan (QHP) or a qualified alternative coverage option (QACO). SECTION 2. Determination That Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is A Qualified Health Plan. (1) In general. The determination referred to in section 1 is a determination by the Secretary that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a qualified health plan or a qualified alternative coverage option, as applicable.
(2) <<NOTE: Criteria.>> In general. The determination under paragraph (1) shall be made on the basis of criteria established by the Secretary, including appropriate evidence-based clinical criteria that-- (A) have been peer reviewed; (B) have been published in a medical or scientific journal; and (C) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (referred to in this section as ‘‘hyperbaric oxygen therapy’’) is a QHP or a QACO. The Secretary’s determination shall be published in the Federal Register. (2) Factors to be considered.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make a determination that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a QHP or a QACO for purposes of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act. (2) Specification of benefits. In making such a determination, the Secretary shall specify the benefits and cost-sharing requirements applicable to hyperbaric oxygen therapy under the plan or coverage.
In summary, "this bill requires the Dept of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are at high risk of suicide or self-harm, and have utilized at least evidence based treatment options for their condition.
Veterans who receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to the enactment of this bill must be included in a study on individuals receiving such treatment to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of the treatment for PTSD and TBI."
Comments