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I have been told by Apria that in order for them to stock a new product a branch must submit a "new product request form". So far no branch has done this as people at the branch may not know about this or are not interested in filling this out. If it is submitted and the price of the product is comparable they will stock it.

So if you are interested in getting the Tap Pap through Apria, please ask the branch you use to submit this form, if enough people ask one branch may fill it out and submit it to their head office.

I can assure you that the mask is priced similar to other masks that are sold to DMEs so the price will not be a barrier, contrary to suggestions.

Good luck
Mask Guy

Up until now my advantage plan has treated me very well. This week will be the first serious test with significant DME copayment possibilities.
The premiums you mention would soon grow to much more than I expect my copay to be.

chunkyfrog wrote:This is exactly why I avoided "advantage plans".
My Part B supplement is a Plan F, which will not only cover my deductibles, and 20% copay, but excess charges,
which are limited by law if they wish to continue sucking the Medicare teat.
I pay a hefty premium, but no deductible and no co-pay; with cpap, diabetes testing, and doctor visits,
I come out ahead, (knock on wood)

From Your Guide to Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment: http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educati ... ne2013.pdf
What if I need a specific brand of item or supply?
If you need a specific item or brand of supply, or in a specific form, your doctor must prescribe the specific brand or form in writing. Your doctor must also document in your medical record that you need this specific supply for medical reasons.
In these situations, a Medicare contract supplier is required to:
• Give you the exact brand or form of item you need
• Help you find another contract supplier that offers that brand or form you need it in
• Work with your doctor to find another brand or form that's safe and effective for you

Again from Your Guide to Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment: http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Educati ... ne2013.pdf
Who do I contact if I don’t think a supplier is following these
rules?
If you don’t think a supplier is following these rules, you can file a complaint
with the Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman.

The Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman must respond to individual and supplier inquiries, issues, and complaints.

The Ombudsman reviews the concerns raised by people with Medicare through 1-800-MEDICARE and through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Visit Medicare.gov/Ombudsman/resources.asp for information on inquiries and complaints, activities of the Ombudsman, and what people with Medicare need to know.

I think there is a difference between "needing" a specific mask or product for medical necessity and "wanting" or liking it.

I think most people on this thread have tried the TAP PAP and like it and are wanting Apria to I supply it under their insurance. This is different from a Dr deciding to write a prescription specifically for it and Apria choosing not to supply it, as you are indicating with your information about how to file a complaint to Medicare.

If you want Apria to supply it you can as someone at your local Apria branch to submit a "new product request" to their head office. If this is done they will most likely add it to their list of mask they can supply..

Mask Guy

I will be seeing my doctor on Monday. I intend to bring my tap pap mask to show him, and request that he write my prescription specifically for that product. I'm going to bring along the product number and information about airway management. We will see how that works with Apria.

I have Apria and they told me that they would get me a Tap Pap if I wanted no problem. I am not sure why people are saying that they won't order it? I just call the 800 number and they are more than helpful. 800-310-3363 is the number that I call when I need supplies,

Carrie

sleeplessinaz wrote:I have Apria and they told me that they would get me a Tap Pap if I wanted no problem. I am not sure why people are saying that they won't order it? I just call the 800 number and they are more than helpful. 800-310-3363 is the number that I call when I need supplies,

Carrie

Thanks, I will try that once I get my prescription from the doctor specifying Tap Pap as my mask. I'll report back on the results.

You really shouldn't use Apria if you can avoid it. They have a habit of over-billing, adding random charges even after you're paid off, "re-negotiating" with your insurance company without telling you OR your insurance, etc. I've been fighting them on my bill for almost five years now and still haven't EVER gotten a straight answer. I literally have a near-inch thick file full of paperwork, and everything from them tells me I owe them something different. They've never given me an itemized bill, and have brushed off complaints to the BBB and the Attourney General's office. Funny how, despite all this, none of it shows up on my credit report. It's almost like they know they're full of crap.

Most of us with private insurance won't have a choice- my Cigna insurance dictates I have to use Apria. I have never had ANY of those problems that you speak of. Had Apria for seven years, never had one bit of problem with them.

bryansong wrote:Have any of you had any luck getting Apria to order you the Tap Pap?
I am currently using the Tap Pap mask and purchased it myself but
I think Apria should be providing that mask for me when I am due CPAP supplies.

Bryan

Hi, Apria have now loaded the TAP PAP into their system, so each branch can order it. If you ask for it, they can supply it.

It is listed under "CPAP Kit Nasal Pillow TAP"

Thanks for asking Apria for this.

Regards,

Mask Guy