Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

lostsheep · Post by **lostsheep** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 10:42 am

I find myself in the ridiculous position of being billed for as ASV machine that was already paid off on a 10-month lease in 2012. It was due to be converted to a warranty & service agreement in 2013, with some type of payment every 6 months. Why do they want to charge all over again? The alleged reason is that I changed insurers on January 1. That is the "rule", conjured up by the DME.

I'm wondering - How is it possible that the lease agreement is negotiated between a DME and the insurer, but not on my behalf? Am I not the one who is ultimately paying for this? The DME tries to tell me that I don't own the machine... they always own it, based on THEIR agreement with Aetna. I pay for the insurance, but don't even get a copy of the lease agreement - nothing!

So now, on a new deductible as of January 1st, I find myself getting billed for this same machine all over again. And when I change to my new employer's insurance policy in April, it starts over again! New deductible, new lease term. Nice gravy train for the DME. The insurance company gets to put it on deductible, and also hold a penalty over my head for changing insurers. I can' believe this is legal.

What really troubles me is the thought that this system can only exist because the "little people" (already beaten down by age or health issues) don't have high-powered lobbyists or lawyers.

As for possible recourse, all I can think of is:
1. Give the machine back to Apria, and force the new insurer to provide a new one (just spite, doesn't do me any good).
2. Insist on switching DME's every time they pull this stunt (just spite, doesn't do me any good).
3. Quit using the machine and give it back (does me harm).
4. Refuse to make payments (ruins my credit).
5. Vandalize or defame Apria (damages my own spirit).

All I can really think of is to complain to the state insurance commissioner. It would help me channel my anger, but will it do any good?

Nooblakahn · Post by **Nooblakahn** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 10:45 am

Another thing I can think of.. request to your sleep lab not to refer to them anymore and why. Also added to the spiteful list.. but if they are difficult to work with, could help others from having to deal with them.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 10:46 am

How much are they expecting you to fork over each time they want to put the screws to you?

viewtopic/t86737/For-Sale--S9-VPAP-Adap ... -1500.html

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 11:08 am

That has always been the primary problem with Apria...(from my experience). Billing department is TERRIBLE to work with. They don't seem to listen to your explanation. It may take months until you find someone with authority to talk with.

cosmo · Post by **cosmo** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 11:22 am

How much were you paying for the machine each month?

I have 100% DME coverage and I've never had a billing issue with apria. Never had to fork over any money

khauser · Post by **khauser** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:21 pm

lostsheep wrote: 2. Insist on switching DME's every time they pull this stunt (just spite, doesn't do me any good).

Why? This DME is out to harm you, so why do you think this is just for spite? Would you stick with a car dealer that was doing something like this? Of course not!

So guess what I am in favor of?

Also, *if* I was being told I had to pay again, I would sure want a brand new machine, because the usage of the current machine has reduced it's lifetime. I would also be SELLING the original (you paid it, it's yours) to offset the cost of the new one. I'm sure your DME will try to convince you otherwise, but that's more BS, in my very humble opinion.

Finally, I wonder how the new insurer would feel about this? If you called them and mentioned this, it would probably cause the DME a load of trouble, since they are, I believe, committing fraud.

Evil companies should NOT be able to get away with stuff like this. Making that happen is NOT spite, it's well-deserved on their part.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:44 pm

The new insurance may have been told it's a NEW machine--they might not like being ripped off either.

Suddenly Worn Out · Post by **Suddenly Worn Out** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 2:42 pm

Possible fraud? If you honestly believe you were billed improperly to THAT degree you are talking about, why not contact your local police? Sounds like old fashioned stealing, to me. You could also report Apria to your State Attorney General's office in addition to your state insurance commissioner.

Eric

StuUnderPressure · Post by **StuUnderPressure** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 4:08 pm

lostsheep wrote: As for possible recourse, all I can think of is:
1. Give the machine back to Apria, and force the new insurer to provide a new one (just spite, doesn't do me any good).
2. Insist on switching DME's every time they pull this stunt (just spite, doesn't do me any good).
3. Quit using the machine and give it back (does me harm).
4. Refuse to make payments (ruins my credit).
5. Vandalize or defame Apria (damages my own spirit).

All I can really think of is to complain to the state insurance commissioner. It would help me channel my anger, but will it do any good?

I would do both #1 AND #2 - Get a NEW machine AND a NEW DME every time.

WarmBodies · Post by **WarmBodies** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 4:45 pm

So now, on a new deductible as of January 1st, I find myself getting billed for this same machine all over again. And when I change to my new employer's insurance policy in April, it starts over again!

I always had very good results speaking with the rep at my employers. They always have an influential contact with the insurance company who wants to keep them happy.

One time the rep at my company was a bitch who was hated by all the peons in the company. Being nervous I made notes before I went in to talk with her. She wasn't nice and did not make any promises but whatever she did the insurance company perfectly resolved the situation the next day.

Janknitz · Post by **Janknitz** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 5:06 pm

Sounds like fraud to me. File a complaint with your new insurer AND the agency that oversees DME in your state. In the statement of facts explain that the ASV was a capped rental PURCHASE and that the DME can't bill you for an item already paid for.

Alternatively, insist the DME provide you with a brand new machine if it wants to charge you for a new capped rental cycle.

Suddenly Worn Out · Post by **Suddenly Worn Out** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 5:20 pm

To heck with the insurance commissioner and the DME regulation board in your state. Just report what you suspect is fraud to your local law enforcement. Just dont report it unless you seriously suspect it is something funky and probably illegal.

I am seriously sick and tired of most brick and mortar DMEs, most of them suck and they get away with all kinds of stuff.

Eric

Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

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Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

Re: Apria charging for paid machine - recourse?

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