Is there a Sleep Apnea charity in Lewiston?

[Altered_Ego]

I suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

I'm currenly on General Assistance, and MaineCare (non-categorical).

I had a sleep study in May, and the doctor prescribed a BiPap Machine.

MaineCare won't pay for the BiPap because I am considered Non-categorical.

I would greatly appreciate any info on companies that might help me get a BiPap machine. I have absolutely no income.

[krousseau]

Try the Social Services Dept at your local hospital. Did the sleep lab have any connections?

[Paul B]

Here you go:

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... hp?t=17558

[Offerocker]

MaineCare won't pay for the BiPap because I am considered Non-categorical.

I know what the term "non-categorical" usually means, but why does it apply in your case? ...just curoius, especially since you have no income. Thanks.

[Altered_Ego]

In this case, "non-categorical" means that the State of Maine doesn't recognize that I have a disability.

MaineCare (my insurance) will not pay for many things I might want or need, including the BiPap Machine my doctor prescribed.

I had submitted a new application in an attempt to get a Disability determination from the State of Maine. However, the Dept of Human Services lost my application, along with a few hundred others.

I've enlisted the help of my doctors, and my Mental Health Worker in an attempt to speed up the application process.

Unfortunately, the paper pushers don't seem to care.

[Guest]

You could also speak with a local DME company in the area. Obviously most of them will be pretty well aware of any low-cost or no-cost options for the equipment in the area. Many also will have thier own programs in place to provide such equipment.

[Offerocker]

However, the Dept of Human Services lost my application, along with a few hundred others.

Sounds like a good way to 'cover up'

I've enlisted the help of my doctors, and my Mental Health Worker in an attempt to speed up the application process.

Good Luck, Altered_Ego, sometimes that's what it takes - and that's too bad that it IS necessary.

Unfortunately, the paper pushers don't seem to care.

...and of course, that's exactly why they are pushing papers! They don't care! ...some of them, anyway.

P.S. Move to Massachusetts.

[ladytonya]

If you're having problems getting disability, hire a lawyer! It's amazing how quickly "lost" documents and records can reappear once an attorney enters the pictures. Happens in my office all the time. Most attorney's who handle disability claims will work on a contingency fee basis so it will be no money out of your pocket unless they get you benefits. Any money they get will be from back benefits, so you may get a little less money from the back benefits but you'll at least have benefits from here on out and you won't have to deal the their B.S. Keep fighting! You deserve treatment!

[new2Maine]

I also have Non-categorical MaineCare. Non-Categorical just means you are an adult without children and you do not fit in any other category that Maine's DHHS may have for MaineCare.....I moved to Maine a few years ago being diagnosed with sleep apnea back in the late '90s. I have a cpap machine but it is an older machine which is no longer being manufactured. My primary doctor ordered sleep tests. I do have sleep apnea, but from what I gather from the results is it has gotten worse since my prior diagnosis and now I require a bipap machine. I am hoping that MaineCare will cover a new machine, I am yet waiting to find out.