Medicare and Sleep Apnea Equipment

[chzuck]

Does anyone know if your provider charges for masks that you try and don't use?  I tried one for a week and took it back to return and they said keep it.  However, when I ask for something else, the rep gave me a BS story about my issue and pretty said I am stuck with what I have.  So, my other question is, are they only allowed to charge for one mask try in a given amount of time?  I thought they would be more about trying to find something to help with my issue.  Was I ever wrong.

[HalfAsleep]

I believe when you’re starting out they can give you another mask. I asked that very question of the DME last week. You can’t return it, because it’s medical equipment.

[UnicornRider]

Usually within the first 30 days Most DME suppliers have a reasonable "try a different mask" policy. After that. you are on your own. Because of the difficulties I have had, my Sleep Center has given me three or four different 30 day try a different mask. However I suspect I have an exceptional staff at the Sleep Center, they have agreed to allow a DME to occupy the store front next to the clinic, but they have a Sleep Center employee embedded the DME store for their own clients. Most people do not have that relationship with their DME.

  I have been through two different sleep doctors and three different DME suppliers to get here. Do not be afraid to look around.

[chzuck]

I am considering looking for another provider.  My concern, I got my machine in May 2022 and if I change providers will they cover the machine if it needs repairs?

[UnicornRider]

That ResMed is a good machine , the DME supplier does not provide warranty, ResMed's warranty is 2 years on your AirCurve 10 VAuto. https://www.resmed.com/en-us/product-war...formation/

[chzuck]

Good, so in May my warranty period is over.  If anything would happen, Medicare would just replace it?

[UnicornRider]

Not sure about that, I have never known anybody in that situation. I know if you need a machine with different capabilities they will cover the cost.

[chzuck]

Thanks much for all of your help.

[UnicornRider]

You can check your hours here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loe5BHzR4vI

They "normally" get about 20,000 hours, ~ 10 years before they really start to degrade,  but YMMV.

[chzuck]

Yeah, I saw where to check that.  Mine is approaching 5000 hours.  Seems high for the time I have had it, but I did not do the math.