[Equipment] Is it legal for DME providers to decline a CPAP device without Credit Card info?

[ngxt25]

Even though my insurance covers 100% of the CPAP device and supplies, my DME provider is asking for my credit card info on file.

Do I have the option to decline to provide CC info but still get the device?

If I decline CC info, does the DME provider have the option to decline to provide me with a device?

[KeepingItSimple]

I don’t know about the legal aspects of this.

Have you called them and directly asked about this? I don’t know how, if you don’t ever need to pay them for anything, they can require you to keep your credit card on file with them. What if you don’t have a cc? Lots of people don’t have them, some by choice.

I’d guess that, in your situation, they probably want your credit card on file in case your insurance coverage changes and you are then required to pay a copay or coinsurance.

[Big Guy]

I'd just ask um outright what they need it for? It might just be their business SOP.

[Jeff8356]

I can't say for sure, but it may have to do with your insurance.
If your insurance is picking up the cost they may want you to meet some minimum compliance with CPAP usage (usually >4 hrs a night for XX number of days.  If you don't meet compliance your insurance may stop paying for the machine and supplies.  You might be required to return the machine to the DME, or pay for the remainder out-of-pocket if you don't return it.  Hence the credit card info.
Depending on how your insurance and DME work, the machine may be considered a rental for the first year and your insurance makes payments to the DME during that time.  After that, the machine is payed for and you continue getting supplies.

I'm no expert in insurance so you would need to check with your provider and see what the usual procedure is.  Can't hurt to call the DME and ask them too.

[ngxt25]

This is an outright purchase. The DME is billing my insurance the total amount immediately without any compliance or rent requirements.

I verified this is possible on my insurance. And the DME independently verified this by calling the insurance provider.

[JJJ]

There are lots of DMEs, including several that are online. They officially require a prescription, although many online sellers are not very diligent about it. Your doctor is required to provide you with a copy of the prescription, and getting a copy would be my first step. I would also contact the insurance to see if you can buy the machine and other supplies at a different DME. You can suggest to the insurance that you can get a better price elsewhere, and that's probably not a lie.

[StratCat48]

Below are excerpts from the 'Delivery Ticket' which had the 'Terms of Agreement and Medical Consent' on the backside of the equipment order. This was for my original CPAP machine which was a rental under Medicare payments and other supplies to get started. Not sure how it would have worked out if I didn't meet compliance for usage and Medicare and insurance refused to pay, whether I might have had a charge on my CC for part of the rental. If I were to purchase supplies not covered by Medicare/insurance the CC would take the hit. It is a fairly well known brick and mortar DME. I suspect, but don't know for sure that they would have refused delivery without the CC. Kinda had that feeling from the RT that came out to deliver it and set it up.

"(a) Customer understands that certain equipment, supplies, and/or services may not be covered by his or her insurance company and may also be subject to a copay and/or a deductible. Any amounts not paid or covered by Customer’s insurance
company will become Customer’s personal financial responsibility, for which 'xxxDMExxx' may charge Customer’s credit
card on file."

"(e) Customer understands that he or she is liable for any intentional improper use or damaging of equipment beyond normalwear and tear. This includes, but is not limited to: cabinet damage, liquid damage, and/or smoke contamination. Upon retrieval
by 'xxxDMExxx', the condition of all equipment will be analyzed, and if 'xxxDMExxx' determines that Customer has
caused any damage to any equipment, 'xxxDMExxx' will charge Customer’s credit card on file, without any further notice
to Customer, for all costs associated with repairing and/or replacing such equipment."

[Nightynite]

My DME is Apria, I’m also on medicare. When I started cpap I refused to give them my credit card number. That was in 2018. They still don’t have it. I buy replacement supplies only when it is covered under Medicare guidelines. I received my Resmed a 10 and mask , both from Apria without giving any cc info.
they did have my Medicare number and that’s all they needed.

[clownbell]

@Nightynight - That's interesting. I too am on medicare and responsible to pay 20% as is usual with medicare guidelines. Do you have additional insurance that picks up the 20%.

[Nightynite]

@clownbell , I do have aarp plan N secondary insurance. Thanks I forgot about that.