I have just recieved my CPAP machine and have fallen in love with it but I have a temporary medical card that will expire next month so I may lose the machine if I can't find some financial help. Can anyone help me find someplace that can assist me?
Looking for assistance to keep CPAP
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bearcub321
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:23 pm
- Location: Southern IL
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Looking for assistance to keep CPAP
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before your insurance card expires, you should:
1. Get a copy of your last PSG and a copy of the prescripiton for the machine. These items never really expire and may save you from having another sleep study or rediagnosis in the future.
2. You should check with the DME where you got the machine and find out if they have billed insurance as a purchase or a rental. If you loose your job/insurance you may have to start paying the monthly rental fee on your own which can run up into the several hundred per month. While you should retain insurance (even if it is major medical) or you may become uninsurable in the future due to the OSA diagnosis. If you do find insurance it will become rediculously expensive. Do not let your insurance go lapse longer than 63 days or you will be in trouble.
3. Worst case, you can always buy a used machine off of yahoo auctions for $250 or so or even less depending on the vintage and type. Many people here have used machines they would sell much less than a new machine costs.
So make sure you get copies of the above info and know your machine type and pressure setting. If you went with an autopap you wouldn't need to go back to the doctor as often should your needs change.
1. Get a copy of your last PSG and a copy of the prescripiton for the machine. These items never really expire and may save you from having another sleep study or rediagnosis in the future.
2. You should check with the DME where you got the machine and find out if they have billed insurance as a purchase or a rental. If you loose your job/insurance you may have to start paying the monthly rental fee on your own which can run up into the several hundred per month. While you should retain insurance (even if it is major medical) or you may become uninsurable in the future due to the OSA diagnosis. If you do find insurance it will become rediculously expensive. Do not let your insurance go lapse longer than 63 days or you will be in trouble.
3. Worst case, you can always buy a used machine off of yahoo auctions for $250 or so or even less depending on the vintage and type. Many people here have used machines they would sell much less than a new machine costs.
So make sure you get copies of the above info and know your machine type and pressure setting. If you went with an autopap you wouldn't need to go back to the doctor as often should your needs change.
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Guest
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mattman
If you have recieved your CPAP from a DME company the first step is to contact them directly. Many DME companies have in-house programs to provide equipment to those without insurance. This may be donated equipment, free of charge new equipment, or a discounted rate based on your ability to pay.
Also your DME company will be in a good position to help you find other programs in your area since most DME providers work closely with several different charities. Some charities/programs will work out payment directly with the provider or in other cases the DME may give equipment to the charitiy or program who will then provide the equipment to you.
State run programs such as Medicaid are also available.
Next would be speaking with church or hospice organizations. There are usually several of those in each county who are able to provide low or no cost CPAP equipment.
Next would be to check with your county assistance. There are usually at least a couple programs in each county such as vocational rehab or work-net type programs that are able to provide equipment.
Medicare also covers equipment if you are eligible.
Next would be to check with local Sleep Apnea support groups. Many of those will have information on other local organizations or charities that provide equipment.
As another mentioned national programs such as Awake In America can also help.
The nutshell version is that there are usually dozens of options for getting low or no-cost equipment. It will usually require a little legwork on your end but they are available.
mattman
Also your DME company will be in a good position to help you find other programs in your area since most DME providers work closely with several different charities. Some charities/programs will work out payment directly with the provider or in other cases the DME may give equipment to the charitiy or program who will then provide the equipment to you.
State run programs such as Medicaid are also available.
Next would be speaking with church or hospice organizations. There are usually several of those in each county who are able to provide low or no cost CPAP equipment.
Next would be to check with your county assistance. There are usually at least a couple programs in each county such as vocational rehab or work-net type programs that are able to provide equipment.
Medicare also covers equipment if you are eligible.
Next would be to check with local Sleep Apnea support groups. Many of those will have information on other local organizations or charities that provide equipment.
As another mentioned national programs such as Awake In America can also help.
The nutshell version is that there are usually dozens of options for getting low or no-cost equipment. It will usually require a little legwork on your end but they are available.
mattman
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1