Changing Insurance - What Happens

[John Galt]

My current insurer paid for my current cpap over one year ago. They didn't purchase it; instead, it's on indefinite lease. They continue to make maintenance payments.

It appears that I may change insurers in January. What happens? Does my old machine get returned to the DME and I have to go through the hassle of getting a new machine? Or, does my new insurance company simply pick up the maintenance payments? Or something else?

[Guest]

It could vary dramatically based on the specific arragements made and contracts and such.

I would suggest just calling your current company and talking to them. They will be able to give you specific details.

mattman

[Jere]

I am in the same situation, except my old insurer already paid for my machine. I am thinking of trading up to an apap and I am thinking that my new insurer will cover it (assuming it covers these things) without any knowledge that my old insurer just bought me a machine 18 months ago.

Am I missing anything here (other than the need for a new prescription)?

[Bookbear]

Jere:

Its not unheard of for the new insurance company to contact the old insurance company to get information on their new client. This isn't all bad, its helpful for them to know (for example) if you have had some special coverage approved by them, or some medication not normally covered approved by a untilization committee. Of course, it would also reveal that they had paid for a cpap 18 months ago.

Others just start with a clean slate, which means they wouldn't know abou the cpap, but might also mean having to have another sleep study done to get covered for any future machines, masks, and supplies.