My Lincare bill for my Hybrid mask

This is crazy. I got a hybrid mask awhile back. I just got the bill from Lincare, and even though I got a deal because of my insurance, here's what they originally charged for the hybrid (which I thought was all one piece):
Full face mask 207.96
nasal pillows 37.49
nasal appl device 152.93
cpap headgear 49.65

They say with my insurance, I owe $288.86. I don't get it......they are charging for every part of the mask? And what's a nasal appl device and how could it possibly cost 152.93? I know they play all sorts of games and jack up the price when they know you have insurance........but approx. $448 for that mask????

Hello,
I think because you have insurance they feel that they can charge anything they want...but the problem is that you should never be left with an amount like that to pay out of pocket. I would call them and ask them why their charges are so much. You can buy a mask like that online for around 200.00. I went through Lincare when I got my cpap machine and mask and was never charged near that for my mask. I think they have some explaining to do.
Good Luck
Bren

Thanks Bren.
I could have bought it on cpap.com for $120!
I'll call them Monday.

I have Lincare also and yes, they do charge for evey part of the mask and such. I couldnt beleive it when I saw that the gel cushion for my mask is $31.00! So with each part a diffrent price, it all adds up to $131.00 for the mask and it's parts and the headgear. Good luck wiht the phone call. Huggies, Fay

Hello : WOW!!!! Outrageous pricing, now you have got me very curious about the way that my DME is handling my account......for example recently i was supposed to return a FF Mask that did not workout for me,so i could try another but when i spoke to my DME provider on the phone (long distance on the west coast) he stated that i did not have to return the mask because it was allready used and that they not really had any used for it which it made sense to me,so i could keep it and he would send me another mask of my choice.I'm just wondering if they are billing my insurance for the non-return mask,i myself have not seen any bill's for any equipment at this time i only have paid my co-pay on my titration studies..i guess i should consider myself lucky, in a way i have not had any major issues with getting any of the equipment that i have requested,but for that same reason,i think that i am goin to make a few phone calls tomorrow just to inquire... i really dont WANT any surprises with billing later on..even tho i do not have Lincare as a provider.NO WONDER HEALTH INSURANCES ARE SO COSTLY!!!!! and of course insurance co. do not question these practices they just pay, and pass the cost to us with insurance RATES!

Regards: Phil

We may have the same DME.

I have been shopping for a new BiPap. Rather than the price for everything that comes in the box, they split it up and charge for everything in the box. At cpap.com the bipap would costs $2100 with a humidifier delivered. At the dme in town it will be over $4,000. Separate charge for included filters, the hose it comes with, etc.

Seems to me like LinCare is trying to get Extra Money from you? The Insurance only Pays a fixed Price for the cost of Masks and supplies so I would call your Insurance company and ask what they Payed the DME for the Mask and then I would tell The DME that the Mask was paid in Full and see what their Reaction was ?

Interesting cant wait to see how that turns out.

Let me clarify........the insurance will only pay $228, which I'm responsible for since I have a huge deductible. I think that's still too much for this mask. Initially, Lincare had asked the insurance company for over $450 for the mask, and the insurance company said they'd only pay $228. Why does Lincare have to play this game? Does the insurance company force them into it, by only always giving a percentage of what Lincare asks for? Would Lincare charge $450 for someone who didn't have insurance??