DME and iinsurance question

[brenkco]

I have a high deductible MSA insurance plan. At the end of the year, after my deductible had been met, I had my sleep studies and got my cpap machine. I was shocked to see my benefit statement showing that 2/3's of my equipment wasn't covered as I was referred to an "out of network" dme by my physician. Nothing was said at the time of my equipment delivery.

I called the dme and they told me not to worry that even though they are not contracted with my insurance company, they accept the payment they receive as payment in full.

This worked ok as my deductible was met at the end of the year, but I don't think it will work for supplies as they will not be properly credited towards my deductible and I might pay higher rates that I would otherwise.

My question is how does one go about shopping for a dme? There are six pages of network providers. I have had good luck with the current provider helping me with my struggles as a new user but I am not sure I can continue with them without incurring unnecssary costs.
Thanks for your feedback!

[6PtStar]

Yes you can go shopping for a DME. Only problem is with a high deductable it most likely won't help much. Many of us buy on line especially for supplies. Some insurance companies will let you submit the bills for reimbursement but you have to ask. The last new hose I got the DME wanted $30.00 I bought it from our host cpap.com for $9.99.

Jerry

[nobody]

Is MSA the same as HSA? If so, you should be able to use your HSA debit card to purchase supplies from anyone you want and I think cpap.com has the lowest prices. You should even be able to use the auction site if you want. The amount you pay should apply toward your deductible and it shouldn't matter whether where you get the stuff is in network or out. That would only matter after you meet your deductible and the insurance kicks in. Of course you should check with your plan to be sure of the details, but as I understand HSAs and flex accounts you control where you buy your stuff so long as it's eligible medical according to the IRS...anything CPAP related should be eligible.