Insurance

[GrandmaC]

I've been ordering from the same place most of the time because they file for my insurance. Lately, I've been shopping on the Internet and getting extra things such as pillows made for CPAP users and more comfortable accessories. I bought a new CPAP machine because I wanted the latest technology and insurance won't pay unless your current one breaks. Then you have to be without until the new one is ordered.

Today, I called and tried to order something. At the end, they told me that I had a balance on my account. I learned that they had our credit card number and they were just putting what insurance didn't pay onto that card. My husband pays the card and I don't see it. All this time I have thought that insurance has been paying for the supplies, but it appears they don't pay that much. They said I owe $76 for the last mask I ordered. I checked on Amazon and they sell that mask for $50 something. I told them that I was going to start ordering from Amazon.

The jury is still out. I ordered the supplies from Amazon today. They were a lot cheaper but we'll have to see if they're the same quality. I suspect that companies who collect from both insurance and individuals may be charging a lot more.

[CRMW]

I have bought supplies from our host (cpap.com) and numerous times over the last 6 years and I was very happy with them. My insurance covers a new machine every 5 years but does not cover any supplies so the cheaper prices were appreciated. The masks and hoses that I bought were the same as I would have purchased from the local DME but they were between 20% to 30% of the price.