am I screwed?

[vaderboi]

lost my job and now need to purchase my cpap. I contacted my DME a while ago and said my job might be ending and what I could do about it. I tried to purchase my machine then and there, but they said since insurance was renting it, they couldn't let me purchase. the crappy thing is that had I kept my job until October, I would own the machine. now I'm at a loss of what to do. I have insurance through the end of July. I'm hoping I can call them and explain what's going on and purchase it while it's still under insurance. I won't be able to purchase it otherwise. Although, I can't really see them taking the machine back, I really don't want to go back to not sleeping again. That was a horrible existence.

[LoQ]

You don't say what country you live in, but if you live in America you may be able to extend your employer-paid health insurance through COBRA, up to 18 months after you lose your job. You should check into that. Depending upon what state you live in, you may also be able to buy a private insurance policy. That is what I have, since I do not get insurance from my employer.

[Wulfman]

Since you're still covered through July, see if your insurance provider will do a payout. Many providers will do that after the first few months (to make sure you're using the equipment that's being paid for).


Den

[SleepyT]

I hope you are able to keep your machine...but you're right! The timing is lousy. LoQ and Wulfman had great responses...and COBRA may save the day...but in the event of the worst case senario...you can always buy your CPAP using CPAPAUCTION.COM. Their prices are quite a bit cheaper than what the DME's charge. Hope it doesn't come to that! Good luck!

[SleepyT]

oops...make that 'scenario'. Need another cup of coffee!

[BeanMeScot]

Maybe they would let you continue to rent it at the insurance price and you will own it in Oct.

[klockemy]

I hope you are able to keep your machine...but you're right! The timing is lousy. LoQ and Wulfman had great responses...and COBRA may save the day...but in the event of the worst case senario...you can always buy your CPAP using CPAPAUCTION.COM. Their prices are quite a bit cheaper than what the DME's charge. Hope it doesn't come to that! Good luck!

This is true. I got a BRAND NEW Escape II with new H3i humidifier off there for $299 and free priority shipping.

[Slinky]

So if I am understanding you correctly your insurance (if you could keep it) would have your CPAP paid off in full in October. As it is they will continue the "rental" payments thru this month (July). That would leave 3 months rental payment.

How much is your insurance actually paying each month? You SHOULD be able to make those 3 month payments and then own the CPAP outright. If you have a copay you SHOULD be able to complete the rental agreement by paying your copay plus what your insurance would have paid.

IF they try to bill you their BILLED rate instead of the INSURED rate plus any copay they are screwing you. AND if they tried that I'd file a complaint w/their manager and the state licensing board. IF they try to say that it was "only" a rental rather than a rent-to-own type purchase and won't credit the insurance payments (and any copays) to the insurance contracted full price of the CPAP I would file a complaint w/their manager and w/the state licensing board. ESPECIALLY the state licensing board.

The key here is can you buy the same or better CPAP at cpap.com for less than those 3 months payments?? Or so close that you could get a better CPAP for just a few dollars more?