Buying cpap online with Blue cross/blueshield

[doitinmysleep]

Hi every one...newbie here....lol...We was wondering if any one has just bought what they needed on line and then submit to BC/BS for insurance repayment? We tried to get a c-pap at our local ppo bc/bs c-pap supply place and they tried to sell or rent us an old used machine that was old and outdated. When we ask to see the machines and to look at new units they got mad short and just wanted to see the insurance card...lol..we left and gave up came home got on line and found this great web site.

[6PtStar]

I tried to get BC/BS to reimburse me for out of pocket purchases. The would not do it. Some have reported that they have been able to get things reimbursed around 70/80%. You will have to check with your individual carrier - some will some won't.

Jerry

[Gerryk]

I have Bc/bs of Illinois. I called and talked to them and they said it would cost me more to save them money. If I purchased online it would most likely be an out of network purchase. There was also something about a different or extra deductable for out of network. They told me let them pay $4800.00 for a machine even if I can purchase the same thing for $1400.00 because it would end up costing me more.

[Slinky]

BC/BS coverage varies from state to state and policy to policy, group policies and individual policies. Best to call your BC/BS office and ask what local DME suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than just this one sheister you've already talked to. Also ask what your in network and what your out of network coverage is; what your deductable(s) and copay(s) are. Ask if you are considered in network if you submit a bill to them w/proper coding.

Then shop online, remembering to check w/the online DME supplier about any "unadvertised sale prices" for the items you want (this is necessary because of the MAP (minimum advertised pricing) policy some manufacturers instituted against the online DME suppliers.

Keep in mind the DME suppliers charge separately for hose, filter, mask, headgear whereas online DME suppliers include hose and filter w/the xPAP and price the headgear and mask as one unit.

[Sleepy Boy]

I have one DME that is closer to my house, but they would charge me 10% out of pocket. The DME I use in Alpena Mi. (Wright & Flippis) doesn't charge me anything, I guess they accept whatever BC/BS pays them. I never tried online so not sure how that would work...
Thanks, Larry...

[doitinmysleep]

Thank you all for the ideas. Its very nice to have found this web site. Hope I can help others once I get my machine and get started...Thanks again.!!