Newly Diagnosed and Questions

Hello Everyone

I have been recently diagnosed with severe OSA and I have a few questions that hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. First I must say that I am on Medicaid and I was told I had to enroll in Amerihealth Mercy. When I spoke to the DME she told me that there is no way that I can ask for a fully data capable CPAP. Is this type of machine something I have to buy on my own? She said the reason was that it is a special order machine. Now I dont know how much of the cost will Medicaid cover but I she correct in saying so?

They will also make me wait 45 days till I get one from them anyway so I am kind of afraid at times to go to sleep. Any tricks for making it through the night? I hope I am making sense since I have been on the phone all day trying to get answers so please bear with me.

I am sure I will have a lot more questions if I cannot find them doing a search so ANY help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you everyone for being here.

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Bethlehem, PA

I don't know much about Medicaid but I am sure someone will jump in soon. As far as making it until your equipment arrives, you might want to sleep in a recliner. If your throat is closing off when you deep sleep, the recliner may help keep you at an angle that won't completly close it off. Also, try to sleep on your side. Some people put a backpack on before bed to make sure they can't turn on their back.

Well wishes to you.

I'm not at all familiar w/Medicaid except that the rules can very from state to state. Most state Medicaid's pay less than Medicare so it would not be at all surprising if the local DME supplier refuses to provide a fully data capable CPAP.

However, it doesn't hurt to at least TRY for the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR or the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex or even the pre-M series Pro II w/C-Flex. This would be considerably easier if your ordering (prescribing) doctor specified expiration relief along w/your pressure AND a HEATED humidifier.