An Early Christmas...

Tash · Post by **Tash** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 2:59 pm

Hi all! Santa came early to my house today. After watching me struggle to get coverage from insurance, my hogging of the computer at all hours, and the endless phone calls, and then the denial of my prescription, my husband told me last night, "Order what you need, and we'll get through this" I was relieved, but felt bad, because it is a big financial need.

This morning I called bilmyinsurance.com and asked if there was anything they could think of that might help. Bonnie there was so helpful and came up with an idea that sounded like it might work (won't bore you with all the details) and I faxed her my Rx and sleep study. Shortly after that, however, she received a resounding NO from Cigna. Bonnie was great, and I really appreciated the extra effort she gave to try to find a solution.

So, I decided to bite the bullet and just order it all from cpap.com. Then, my parents showed up (they live close by, and my husband works with them at Coors). My mom had apparently asked my husband how things were going (last night) and he explained all of the difficulty I was having with getting the equipment I felt I needed and that we were considering buying it out of pocket. They came over today and said they would like to pay for half!!!!!!

My Remstar Auto CPAP w C/flex, heated humidifier, Everest Aura Facial Mask (I asked Gentiva to process the claim for the Ultramirage FF thru Cigna), chinstrap and filter are on their way, and will be here TOMORROW!!!!!

I plan on submitting it to Cigna as "out of network" (my coverage for out of network is they pay 70% and I pay 30%) and will battle them relentlessly for payment (after I get some rest!).

I would like to thank you all for your insight, knowledge, support, best wishes, and friendly nudges to take control of my treatment. It has meant the world to me, and you may not possibly know what a difference it has made to be able to turn to this forum and know that you all are here to help (which, I don't doubt that I will be asking even more questions starting tomorrow

Anyhow, Merry Christmas everyone and thanks again!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:11 pm

Newgal,

Merry Christmas!

You will be happy with your decision to take matters into your own hands.

dsg · Post by **dsg** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:22 pm

Congratulations, newgal. You've given yourself a tremendous gift. May you have a happy and HEALTHY new year!

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 4:26 pm

No doubt about it, you made the right choice! Keep us posted on your results! Hope all goes smoothly! But if you do hit a few bumps in the road, come here for direction and inspiration. Sure kept me going!

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:19 pm

newgal,

Way to go, "neighbor"!
Congratulations on your decision......you won't be sorry.
It boggles my mind to see the insurance industry "stonewalling" our therapy like they did to you.....and obviously from the frequent posts on this subject, you're not alone.

Anyway, best wishes and Merry Christmas.

I'm sure you'll let us know how you're doing.

Den

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:32 pm

What a great husband and wonderful parents you have, newgal...to be so supportive of you emotionally -- and financially, to get the equipment you need.

You're on your way to good treatment! Good luck.

allen · Post by **allen** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:43 pm

newgal,
Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

Enjoy your machine and equipment and remember--it takes time to get used to. I keep thinking, "Okay--tonight's the night it's all going to be just perfect." Never seems to really happen that way.

The advantages and healing that using the machine brings are really gradual. Like when I drove out of town for Thanksgiving and had the epiphany of, "Hey--I'm not falling asleep behind the wheel!" I'd not realized that until I made my first long distance drive. The positive results are subtle, but they do add up and collect.

I'm thrilled for you that your folks are paying 1/2 and that you get to begin CPAP'ing tomorrow night. You'd better watch out, you'd better not pout, you'd better tell us about your first night!

Allen

Tash · Post by **Tash** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:51 pm

Hi All! Of course I will let you all know how my first night goes, I am trying to not have too high of expectations, but am so excited!

Rested Gal is absolutely right, I am very lucky to have such a great support system. I have a great life, and now with treatment, it will only get better (I know, it will take a while, but heck, I've been symptomatic for over 8 years, so any improvement will be welcome )

If nothing else, I will at least be able to quit worrying that I will die in my sleep...

Anyhow, I will keep you posted on how tomorrow night goes - hopefully I can it set up all right or you'll be hearing from me even sooner!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 9:37 pm

Glad to hear it, I think you will find it's the best Christmas present you could get, other than knowing the people around you care for you.

Jim

HeidiHose · Post by **HeidiHose** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 9:41 pm

How wonderful that you are taking your health into your own hands and that your family is supporting you! Bravo!

Colorado Jan · Post by **Colorado Jan** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:08 am

That is so cool that your parents are helping and your husband is so supportive! Can't wait to hear how you like your new equipment and also to hear all about how much better you feel!

Congratulations! And Merry Christmas!

Jan in Colo.

Tash · Post by **Tash** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 4:01 pm

It's here!It's here! They told me it was delayed due to adverse weather conditions and would be delivered on Monday, but now IT'S HERE!

allen · Post by **allen** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 7:18 pm

Whee!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:24 am

So it beging the night of 1,000 breaths. Good Luck!

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:24 am

Newgal,

Christmas really did come early for you with the unexpected early delivery of your equipment. Please let everyone know how your first night went. Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and rested New Year.