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General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
princessbelle
Posts: 107
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:01 pm

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Post by princessbelle » Wed Oct 22, 2014 1:42 pm

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Last edited by princessbelle on Wed Jan 21, 2015 7:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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cathyf
Posts: 515
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:56 am

Re: NO Mask limit, really?

Post by cathyf » Wed Oct 22, 2014 1:53 pm

The lady at my insurance said almost the same thing, but it is subtly different: the limit is whatever is medically necessary. So if it takes you 10 masks the first month to find 1 that works, you get that. But after you find one that works it has to undergo enough use to wear out, or it breaks, (both of which they do) before it's medically necessary for a new one. And she also said that you could go along great with only needing a new mask every 3 months and then you lose or gain weight or something and you need another 10 masks before you find a new one to fit the new you.

They figure that it's cheaper to buy you a new mask when the old one breaks rather than force you on a schedule so that your mask breaks and you don't use the cpap because you are not yet "due" and then you have a stroke. VERY expensive for the insurance company.

princessbelle
Posts: 107
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:01 pm

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Post by princessbelle » Wed Oct 22, 2014 2:52 pm

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Last edited by princessbelle on Wed Jan 21, 2015 7:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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tortoisegirl
Posts: 167
Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2014 6:52 am
Location: WA

Re: NO Mask limit, really?

Post by tortoisegirl » Wed Oct 22, 2014 7:52 pm

I also have a DME policy which is replacement as medically necessary. It was surprising as I had read so much about supply schedules and such. My DME said that anything near the typical replacement frequency would likely get approved no question, plus they expect patients to go through a number of masks especially in the beginning. I think to get more supplies than the typical (Medicare) schedule I'd have to specifically discuss it with them or something, as they have their typical three full face mask cushions as a three month supply for example. But theoretically I could likely get cushions more often. They seen to go bad quite quickly for me as far as retaining oil, but they work fine (my pressure isn't high enough to have leak issues).

My insurance has actually paid for four masks in five months for me (two in the first week when I didn't like the first, a replacement to have a backup for the one I liked, then one I tried and didn't like). It would apparently be up to the DME to determine if it is medically necessary for the patient, to have something to tell the insurance if they ask. I specifically asked my DME if I'd ever need a new prescription to say it was medically necessary, and they said no. Yet they don't require you to bring in worn gear for example to justify you need new stuff lol.

However, this unlimited masks policy has worked against me, as my DME won't do free swaps for patients with this unlimited type of coverage. So I ended up paying a copay when it could have been free to swap masks for 30 days (and keep the old one/s). Thankfully my insurance's negotiated rates are pretty close to online prices and I only pay my 20% co-insurance, so its not too expensive. It just all adds up when I think about how much all this has cost.

I haven't used the new S10, but if you can get one, especially the "for her" model with the extra treatment mode, it would make sense to me to get the new model. Its typical to keep machines for about 5 years and the S9 will be considered outdated before too long. However, the updates seem to be more aesthetic than medical, so if you were more comfortable sticking with the S9, its not like you'd be doing yourself a disservice. Best wishes.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: CPAP pressure of 5; diagnosed AHI=9; also have PLMD & insomnia