Ownership of Machine if Insurance Covered the Expense

[KeziasPurr]

I'm just curious. If my insurance paid 100% on my bipap machine, is the machine technically mine to keep (insurance or not), or is it like a lease?

[Wulfman]

I'm just curious. If my insurance paid 100% on my bipap machine, is the machine technically mine to keep (insurance or not), or is it like a lease?

IT'S ALL YOURS!

Den

[mattman]

Not neccessarily.

It depends on what you are referring to when you say 'paid 100%'.

If the unit was a purchase outright from the start, it is almost assuredly "yours".
If the unit was a 3 month rental and then converted to a purchase, it is almost assuredly "yours."
If the unit was a 12-15 month rental that capped out (which is frequently the case with a Bi-level) it coule be owned either by the equipment provider or by you depending on which option you chose when you filled out your purchase option letter.

If you want to be sure, just call your equipment provider and ask.

My real question though is is there a specific reason you are asking or were you just wondering?

mattman

[KeziasPurr]

Not neccessarily.

My real question though is is there a specific reason you are asking or were you just wondering?

mattman

I was really just wondering. Actually, I'm in fear of losing my job b/c of my constant fatigue at the office. I'm just confirming that I can keep my therapy going if worst comes to worst.

[NightHawkeye]

If the unit was a 12-15 month rental that capped out (which is frequently the case with a Bi-level) it coule be owned either by the equipment provider or by you depending on which option you chose when you filled out your purchase option letter.

Mattman, I thought that practice ended last year when Medicare rules changed to disallowing ongoing maintenance agreements.

Or maybe you're allowing for the fact that the machine could have been procured over a year ago under the old arrangements.

Regards,
Bill (just curious)

[Wulfman]

I'm just curious. If my insurance paid 100% on my bipap machine, is the machine technically mine to keep (insurance or not), or is it like a lease?

Where do you stand with the contract? (how far are you into it?)

I would suggest getting in contact with your insurance provider and ask them to purchase the remainder of the contract outright, so it would be yours. Or, at least check with them on the options from their standpoint.

If you're afraid for your job, there are some avenues that can be explored in that area, too. Apnea IS considered a disability under the ADA.....however, some employers can be buttheads when it comes to some of these issues. Did you ever present your employer with a letter/note from your doctor stating that you had OSA? If it's being "successfully" treated, there probably wouldn't be a need. However, if you're still in the "recovering" stages, it MIGHT help.

Den

[Slinky]

You also might qualify under FMLA and w/your doctor's cooperation could be specified as a need for intermittent FMLA. (FMLA = Family Medical Leave Act). I had to use FMLA the last two years that I worked. Check w/your Personnel or Benefits rep at work about FMLA. Also check it out online.