New CPAP patient equipment expectations

[Grayhair]

Should a new user, who is covered by medicare (including a "medigap" plan) expect to have a NEW (never used) CPAP machine?
Does medicare allow or encourage providers to issue used machines to new patients?

[OpalRose]

Some providers will give you a used machine if they can get away with it. They try to cover themselves because there are so many folk that are non compliant and return those machines, then they try to pawn off that machine on the next unsuspecting person.

If you are covered by Medicare, then they are paying rental for 13 months, and then you own the machine. You may also have a copay.

You have a right to a new machine! Just my two cents.

[justMongo]

The Medigap policy will cover the copay. The machine is covered under Part B.
There is a way to tell if a machine is used. It requires accessing the clinician menu. Everything can be reset on a used machine: except total run hours. If it isn't close to zero, then it's a used machine.

Also study the latest generation machines. Often they will attempt of provide a machine that is one or two generation back in time.
You hold the cards before you accept the machine; once you accept, you're stuck with that machine for 5 years.

Does Medicare allow dispensing used machines? Well, there's no rule against it. Do they encourage it? They really don't care.

[Grayhair]

Some providers will give you a used machine if they can get away with it. They try to cover themselves because there are so many folk that are non compliant and return those machines, then they try to pawn off that machine on the next unsuspecting person.

If you are covered by Medicare, then they are paying rental for 13 months, and then you own the machine. You may also have a copay.

You have a right to a new machine! Just my two cents.

[Grayhair]

Thanks. I got them to agree to swap the used machine for a new one. You helped me be brave enough to ask. Thanks!
Is the ResMed AirSense10Autoset the latest generation machine?

[big_dave]

That's one of the top machines on the market, and it is latest generaton.

[justMongo]

Yes it is. The 10 series is the current generation of Resmed machines

[trish6hundred]

Hi Grayhair,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It's great to hear that you asked for a new machine and got one. Yes, the AirScense 10 is the latest generation.
Good luck to you with your CPAP therapy.