[Equipment] Phillips DreamStation Replacement & Medicare

[oneeyeopen]

My understanding is Medicare covers CPAP equipment replacement every 5 years.  I'm curious if anyone knows how Medicare views this 5 year rule specific to the DreamStation recall?  I'm also wondering if the replacement unit I received is considered safe.  I've read various news articles but find the clarity of the situation lacking (at least my understanding of it).

Jan 2017 - Started with DreamStation
DSX500H11C

May 2023 - Received replacement DreamStation
DSX500S11F

Appreciate your insights.

[Sleeprider]

I think the official record of your being dispensed a CPAP is based on the original machine. Any repair, replacement or purchase that did not go through Medicare is basically off-the-record, and you can have your doctor simply write the script for your new machine. If anyone asks, your machine is defective and was subject to recall. I got a new machine in June 2023, and my previous machine was April 2016. I could have probably qualified earlier. My 2016 device was still working but was displaying a "motor life exceeded" error. No one ever asked to look at the old machine to verify that, so it didn't matter. I sent the old machine to Advans CPAP Supplier #28 for refurbishment with new motor, seals and reset hours and calibration at my own expense. I have two good devices, and there is nothing illegal or unethical about doing that.

[oneeyeopen]

Thanks for this info!

[Deborah K.]

None of the Dreamstations are safe.  They are so bad that Philips is not allowed to sell them in the US anymore.  Ask your regular doctor to specifically prescribe you a new ResMed machine.  If you need a regular cpap/apap then ask him to prescribe you a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset.  If you need a bilevel, ask him to prescribe you a ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto.  Ask him to put on the prescription that it should be filled exactly as written, no substitutions allowed.  Because of the recall, it doesn't matter if you have not used your machine for five years; you can still get a new one.  

If you don't have good insurance that covers all or most of what pap machines cost, you could consider buying out of pocket if it's cheaper for you.  Folks on this list will help you find the best price in that case.