Hi. I'm a newbie! Thanks so much for all the wonderful information everyone provides.

Stupid question...I have BCBS (Anthem in NH) and I am getting a CPAP machine. Because my insurance pays for the machine, does that mean that the insurance company technically "owns" it? Can they take it away at any time?

I just talked to my DME provider and they sound wonderful. I did all my research and told them what I wanted.

1. Fully Data Capable Machine
2. C-Flex
3. Heated Humidifier

The woman's response was, "We provide all our patients with full-data capable machines with C-Flex and AutoPap (I think that's the term she used) technology, as well as humidifiers." I was shocked! After doing all that research and feeling so smart, I was surprized that the company was already going to give me the machine I wanted before I even had to ask nicely! After reading some of the posts, I thought I was going to have to get mean  

Thanks in advance for your responses.

It depends.  Most insurance companies rent the machines, they are not purchased outright.  After ten months or so, the machine is paid off.  Once it is paid off, it is yours.

Just shows to go you, there ARE some good local DME suppliers out there!!! Sometimes we tend to forget that. Congratulations on getting a goodie!!! And thanks for the reminder as well.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

sara55 wrote:

Because my insurance pays for the machine, does that mean that the insurance company technically "owns" it?

I wouldn't think so. Technically, insurance companies reimburse you for medical expenses. They generally do it by paying the provider directly.

Consider a different type of insurance. If your car is totaled in an accident and you use the insurance settlement to buy a new car, would the insurance company "own" that car? If your homeowner's insurance replaces your roof due to storm damage, do they "own" that roof?

Now ... who owns the CPAP that the insurance pays for?

It sounds like you have a good DME provider. That seems to be what our provider does, too.  


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Respironics Auto M Series, Pressure: 12 cm
Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 Nasal Pillows
My Sleep Blog

My insurance company does the same, pays for 10 months of "rent to own" on the machine and humidifier, at which point I own it. This was clarified when I got a letter from my insurance provider specifying what charges they are covering.
My contact said this is for flexibility, in case I need a change a few months into it, though it seems there's a lot of flexibility with what I have (Res Med Elite S8).


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We can't change the wind, but we can adjust the sails!

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea seven years ago and I'm still using the same CPAP machine.  It is a bulky machine with a physically separate humidifier, and is quite difficult to use when traveling.  I want to do two things:

1.  Switch equipment suppliers (I am dissatisfied with the service provided by my present supply).
2.  Acquire a newer CPAP machine.

I had another sleep study done two weeks ago and the doctors prescribing the use of a CPAP machine.  However, my current supplier has a contract with Medicare for service and maintenance and they are telling me that the only way that contract can be terminated is if the doctor will give them a prescription stating that I no longer need a CPAP machine.

Any advice?

Charles

HORSEPUCKIES. Your DME supplier is handing your another line of !@#!. MOST local DME suppliers are contracted w/Medicare. That's where the BULK of their business comes from - Medicare.

Now, I'm not sure that Medicare w/pay for a new CPAP if your 7 year old CPAP still works. BUT - you can switch DME suppliers once your "capped rental" for CPAP has been completed which obviously yours has.

Ignore your current supplier or send them a letter telling them you will no longer be doing business w/them and why if you feel so inclined. If they've been automatically sending you new supplies you WILL NEED to let them know they've been terminated. If they send something after you've notified them either just refuse or return it immediately.

Since joining the forum you've learned to avoid most or all of the pitfalls of starting w/a new local DME supplier and sleep lab/sleep doctor. You know to call your insurance to get a list of local DME CPAP suppliers, you know to make sure that you and the sleep doctor come to a MUTUAL agreement on which equipment he writes the order (script) for, you know to get the equipment order (script) from the doctor rather than having it sent to a DME supplier, you've researched the various xPAPs and which ones you to want the doctor to consider, you know to shop the various local DME suppliers to get the best "deal". You're sitting pretty for getting a fully data capable CPAP this time around.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.