DME Provider no longer carrying mask..

[tripledee138]

Long story short - my DME provider is no longer going to be carrying the Resmed Quattro FX mask or replacement parts.

Cpap.com has the mask & supplies & whatnot...but the question i have is - is the shipping expense also reimbursable from an HSA?

[jencat824]

Over $100 puchase is free shipping (most of the time I think). I live in Indiana, shipping for purchase under $100 is $7.00 - there is a calculator on the site when you go to check out - you can get the amt of shipping from your zip code.

HSA - yes they cover that, its how I paid for several of my masks I was 'trying' since my current mask had changed the headgear and it no longer worked for me. If they carry your mask I recommend them. You will need to get an rx from your dr. If that is a problem, pm me and I can send you an alternate site that does not requre rx. They are not as reputable as cpap.com but can do if dr is being difficult.

Jen

ps if mask price under $100 check out the accessories, you might find something you want to try that will bring your total up to $100, then you get mask and cool stuff. Just a thought...

[ughwhatname]

That is an excellent question. If I hazard a guess, I'd say yes, but I don't know for certain. I get medication shipped to me, but there is no postage, so I can't be certain. Can you ask your HSA administrator?

[tripledee138]

I know about the >$99 free shipping option..but I don't know that I could buy $100 worth of stuff every month..(My current DME was shipping me a new cushion and filters every month - no shipping charge on that..)

[jencat824]

Can you use any DME - if so I would suggest Nationwide Medical. They ship me all the usual stuff, mask, filters, hoses etc. on regular intervals. They send 3 months worth at a time. If your mask in not listed on the website, you can call them & they carry a lot more than is listed on their website. I've had really good luck with them as my DME, better than I've ever had with local DME's.

http://www.nationwidemedical.com/produc ... y.php?id=7

Just a thought...
Jen

[chunkyfrog]

Cpap.com is doing free shipping on ALL orders now until Halloween.
Just enter the code "Halloween"
They do this every now and then.

[nanwilson]

Cpap.com will set you up on a regular schedule also...but, I would check with your insurance and see if they will pay for out of network stuff. Some insurance companies will only pay for supplies that come from their approved suppliers. One phone call to your insurance company may save you a bundle of $$$$$.

[squid13]

If your insurance will pay Cpap.com will provide the insurance form for you to file with your insurance.

[chunkyfrog]

--For me, they are out of network.
I decided awhile back to leave insurance out of the loop until I find a mask that fits.
My deductible out of network is $800, and that's with their stupid schedule.
The insurance people seem to be distressed that I'm not spending any money at one of their pet DME's.
TFB!

[DoriC]

This may only apply to Medicare but when the DME told us we'd have to switch to another mask because they won't stock it anymore, I called Medicare and they told me the DME was required to carry or order any mask the patient requests as long as it is still being manufactured. The medicare lady then contacted them and we had our mask in 2hrs and have had no problems since. Our RX specified "mask of patient's choice".

[chunkyfrog]

Thank you for bringing that out, Dori.
I will be retiring in a few months, and my cloth mask is not a favorite of the DME's.--but it is certainly mine.
It is good to know I cannot be pushed into the misery of a poorly-fitting mask.

[brettindetroit]

I dont use Durable Medical goods companies anymore unless they are online. I find its the same price as getting it with insurance and I really get mad at the fact that they charge my insurance and ME too the same amount that I would have paid online. There aught to be a law against this practice. Just taking advantage of the consumers when they need products the MOST.

[joeyjernigan]

Long story short - my DME provider is no longer going to be carrying the Resmed Quattro FX mask or replacement parts.

Cpap.com has the mask & supplies & whatnot...but the question i have is - is the shipping expense also reimbursable from an HSA?

Mine did the same thing. This is the first FFM mask I used when I was diagnosed last year. I liked it but they stopped carrying it. They told me Resmed was not giving them a decent price for the cushions and it was not cost effective for them. I didn't push the issue. I was ready to try something else.

[tripledee138]

Thanks for the help everyone...but it looks like shipping costs are not reimbursable. I called the IRS and the guy on the phone had no clue what a cpap machine was..and after about another 5 minutes on hold, he tells me "Publication 502 doesn't say anything about shipping costs.." - Thanks bud. I've already read that. Twice. Was hoping that maybe it was part of some other tax court ruling or something that wasn't published but is kinda 'known'.

Le sigh...

[chunkyfrog]

My FSA account has covered shipping and sales tax in the past.
Check directly with your health account provider. They are paid to know.
The "IRS" is probably just an operator trained to say, "NO", no matter what.