The rental period is over so I guess I own my machine. Now what?

[HD4Mark]

The 10 month rental period my insurance was paying should be over now since it has been about a year. Now what happens? Excellus BCBS tells me nothing, it's mine. I asked what happens if something goes wrong? They tell me it goes to the DME for repair or replacement if it cannot be repaired and in 5 years I get a new one.

Does this sound like standard procedure? I could call my DME and ask but that is like pulling teeth trying to get a human. If I do get a human it's a crap shoot if they know anything.

[chunkyfrog]

SOP, I'm sorry to say.
Most of these machines are built to last at least 5 years.
Failure before that is, thankfully, unusual. Not worth worrying about, IMO.
BCBS will tell you nothing--if they can help it.
Never be satisfied with the first person you speak to on the phone.
Ask for a supervisor--they are like nesting dolls-
-only one is not "hollow" (brained).
Above all, the best plan is to have a backup machine at the ready.
DMEs observe banker's hours. They are not there when we need help.

[klm49]

The 10 month rental period my insurance was paying should be over now since it has been about a year. Now what happens? Excellus BCBS tells me nothing, it's mine. I asked what happens if something goes wrong? They tell me it goes to the DME for repair or replacement if it cannot be repaired and in 5 years I get a new one.

Does this sound like standard procedure? I could call my DME and ask but that is like pulling teeth trying to get a human. If I do get a human it's a crap shoot if they know anything.

Definitely buy a backup! My machine quit just short of the 5 yrs., fortunately I had a backup. Dme told me they didn't repair machines that Medicare didn't pay enough. Fortunately within a few weeks I was scheduled to go to Sleep Dr. and she upgraded me to a Bipap so I got a new machine before the 5 yrs. was up.

[LSAT]

The 10 month rental period my insurance was paying should be over now since it has been about a year. Now what happens? Excellus BCBS tells me nothing, it's mine. I asked what happens if something goes wrong? They tell me it goes to the DME for repair or replacement if it cannot be repaired and in 5 years I get a new one.

Does this sound like standard procedure? I could call my DME and ask but that is like pulling teeth trying to get a human. If I do get a human it's a crap shoot if they know anything.

Machines have a 2 years warranty..You take it back to the DME and they send it to Resmed for repair or replace. After 2 years, until it's replaced, you are on your own, just like any other appliance or mechanical item.

[Janknitz]

Machines have a 2 years warranty..You take it back to the DME and they send it to Resmed for repair or replace. After 2 years, until it's replaced, you are on your own, just like any other appliance or mechanical item.

Some insurers require the DME to service the machine for 5 years, even after it's completely owned by the user. Medi-Care does that.

[chunkyfrog]

Other insurance may not give a crap . . .
Policies and warranties are engineered to include multiple exceptions.
People are paid to do ya dirty.

[HD4Mark]

Thanks everyone. The girl I talked to at BCBS was actually pretty good. I was on with them about another matter and when she asked if there was anything else she could help with I quizzed her about the machine. It sounded like they would take care of it for the 5 years then I get a replacement. I tried to give them a heads up that they shouldn't be paying the rental any longer. I would hope they know about theses things

The girl at my DME pretty much said call BCBS. I have to wonder where they get these people. I asked her about an app they have to order supplies online they have and she said she would email me the info. I got the email and there is not link or hint what the name of it is. I tried their name at Google Play and that's not it. So now I guess with my effort to not have to call them, I have to call them.

Do DMEs have loaners for you when yours is out for repair? I don't mind buying a back up but if it's avoidable That would be good.

[Pugsy]

Do DMEs have loaners for you when yours is out for repair?

Some do and some don't.
You would need to ask your DME what their policy might be. Also ask what happens on a Friday night of a long holiday weekend if your machine craps out.
Good luck with that.

[klm49]

Thanks everyone. The girl I talked to at BCBS was actually pretty good. I was on with them about another matter and when she asked if there was anything else she could help with I quizzed her about the machine. It sounded like they would take care of it for the 5 years then I get a replacement. I tried to give them a heads up that they shouldn't be paying the rental any longer. I would hope they know about theses things

The girl at my DME pretty much said call BCBS. I have to wonder where they get these people. I asked her about an app they have to order supplies online they have and she said she would email me the info. I got the email and there is not link or hint what the name of it is. I tried their name at Google Play and that's not it. So now I guess with my effort to not have to call them, I have to call them.

Do DMEs have loaners for you when yours is out for repair? I don't mind buying a back up but if it's avoidable That would be good.

I woyldn't count on the DME having a loaner or getting a broken maxhine repaired.