Insurance vs. online

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Tee
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Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:44 pm

Insurance vs. online

Post by Tee » Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:57 pm

I have a $500 annual deductible, payable this year and again on Jan 1st if I order thru my DME for the machine/humidifier for $2000 (confirmed with insurance that I cannot pay outright for a machine, but have to rent to own over 10 months and my deductible is calender year).

I can order what I want online for $1200. It doesn't take much to do the math...however...

What if I don't like the machine I order? What if I need something different? I am out the $1200, correct? Plus the cost of buying another one.

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BlackSpinner
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Re: Insurance vs. online

Post by BlackSpinner » Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:08 pm

Tee wrote:I have a $500 annual deductible, payable this year and again on Jan 1st if I order thru my DME for the machine/humidifier for $2000 (confirmed with insurance that I cannot pay outright for a machine, but have to rent to own over 10 months and my deductible is calender year).

I can order what I want online for $1200. It doesn't take much to do the math...however...

What if I don't like the machine I order? What if I need something different? I am out the $1200, correct? Plus the cost of buying another one.
You won't have any choice at the dme either if you don't like it once you accept it.
Pick a data capable APAP. The big issue is masks. It needs to fit and be comfortable. Most people fail due to the mask.

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Pugsy
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Re: Insurance vs. online

Post by Pugsy » Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:19 pm

Depending on co pay...meeting your deductible again Jan 1 would at least possibly save you from having to meet the deductible with other medical costs (like masks or such).

I bought all my machines privately but I do use a DME for mask supplies with my insurance. I have never regretted it. The first one cost the most and was pretty much an even wash with what my co pay would have been.

Will the DME get you the machine that you think you want without any hassle?

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Tee
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Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:44 pm

Re: Insurance vs. online

Post by Tee » Mon Sep 19, 2011 11:23 pm

Yes, my DME has the machine I want. cpap.com offers mask "insurance" that allows you to exchange masks. It runs anywhere from $9 upwards, a one time fee. They do not allow a return of a machine. My DME does. I just had a thought...think my sleep test, which was a month ago, might have a deductible, so that means I will have met it already for this year, will just have to pay next year and yes, once it is paid, it is paid for the rest of the year. I will have to check that out in the morning. For now, good night...without my cpap and I am all out of Provents

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