HI... Does anyone have a Magic Source for CPAP Supplies? We just found out that our insurance doesn't cover my husband's cpap machine supplies!!! Can you say EXPENSIVE!!! Since I would like him to live and NOT stop breathing during his sleep we need to order some soon! Magic anyone???? Thank you in advance!
Update: Our insurance does not cover Cpap Supplies at ALL! None, Nadda, Zilch! We did talk to the Dr's office. They suggested looking online which we are in the process of doing. I only thought to ask others on here.
Update 2: Thank you for your input however.. We own the machine (previously purchased by our past insurance coverage) This is new coverage and they cover the lung clinic visit Adjustments to the machines just not the supplies. No supplies what so ever regardless of any type of machine! We do have to pay out of pocket I know this for a fact. I was hoping someone knew of a cheaper website that they order from. This may not be the case. Thank you for your input however.
My husband also uses a cpap and we have found supplies sometimes on Craig's list. And there are other online sites that are like autions. We get our supplies from merwin medical but we also have insurance that covers a lot of the cost. I would also (like someone else said) see if its the brand that your insurance doesnt cover and see if it covers another brand. See if your doctor is will to help you appeal the insurance.
I would look into whether the specific type of machine he is using is what's not covered; it could be that the insurance company covers other CPap machines and their supplies.
If it is truly as you say and your insurance company covers absolutely NOTHING to do with CPAP machines and supplies, I would ask your doctor to write you a repeal (or whatever they're called), stating that your husband needs this machine because of health risks (ie, stroke or death). That might not get them to cover it fully, but maybe they will at a percentage. I'd make sure that the cost of the supplies is included with the doctor letter, not just the machine (my husband uses one; we're covered by insurance. The different pieces--mask, hoses, etc.--need to be changed/bought new every so often). This is the one I would be gung-ho at the moment about, because for your husband, the machine is a MEDICAL NECESSITY. I have a suspicion that a medical insurance company needs to cover--or offer to cover at a percentage--something that's needed as a medical necessity, though I could be wrong. (It would be like being newly diagnosed as a Diabetic person and your insurance company stating that's not covered. Excuse me? Come again? Really? When I can die if I don't get my insulin? It's the same concept.)
If having your doctor intervene and write letters of medical support doesn't work, I would begin searching for on-line sources where you can purchase the supplies. You're going to have to pay out of your own pocket for this, of course. (Also, your husband is going to need periodic check ups to make sure the machine and accessories are working correctly, that the pressure and humidifier (if he has one) is functioning properly--your insurance company covers all the doctor visits, doesn't it?)
IF you have to go this route, get a letter from your doctor stating the medical need for this machine/supplies, the severity of the problem your husband has, that he needs to use a CPAP machine as well as periodically needs to replace/change the mask/tubes/etc. KEEP that letter with your taxes along with all of your medical receipts. I know there is a limit or a certain amount of money you have to spend before you can deduct your medical on your taxes, but I would definitely keep all of these receipts and see if you're able to do so at tax time. We use alternative medicine, and I give my CPA all of my medical deductions, just in case we qualify that year to take them. So far, I've been able to deduct something for spending my own money on medial treatments for the past three years.
I understand where you're coming from; the machine and the supplies is expensive if you don't have insurance, or even insurance covering a portion of the costs. Good luck.
Wow.... I understand what you are going through... I use a CPAP machine, and just got some new things, finally. The company I am using is Sleep Central, and the supplies were shipped to me. They sent me a package with a hose, mask, 6 replacement mask cushions, and a bunch of filters. At this point, I have no idea how much it will cost... there wasn't even a bill in the box, and it hasn't gone through my insurance yet. (I don't know why... still waiting....) Their recommendation is to replace the cushion every 2 weeks, but I'm sure I'll use them longer... I made the others last MUCH longer! (Wash them daily... that helps...)
I'm sure it wasn't the best thing to do, but I've only used 2 masks/hoses since I started using the machine, which was in 2005. The masks/hoses are expensive, and for a year or so, I didn't have insurance at all.
I don't have any suggestions, but check with his former supplier and see if they have a program where they can write some of it off? Some companies will lower the cost if you are having financial problems.
Does your insurance not cover CPAP supplies at all? Or maybe just the one he's using? Wow, that is just simply not right if they do not cover them in general. I would look into an alternative. Maybe the doctor could prescribe a different unit or brand? You could talk to someone in the doctor's office. Often times there is someone who deals with insurance companies and will know the in's and out's and try to help you find a less expensive solution.
My son required thickening his food (breast milk) at 1 month of age. The thickener was not covered under our insurance, so I called his doctor's office and they helped me find a cheaper supplier. In my case, unfortunately, there was no alternative product other than switching to formula. We managed :-)
be sure to talkk to the dr. and dentist about using a mouth guard instead of the huge cpap. Could be easier and cheaper.
My MIL rents her cpap. DH uses a mouth guard.
