Oxygen concentrator... should I buy instead of rent?
I have been on PAP therapy for little over a year. About half-way through my doctor put me on oxygen via a concentrator supplied as a rental from my DME provider. My payments go toward my deductible. I am wondering if I should just outright buy a concentrator. I have a good insurance plan with a $1,000 deductible. Because the deductible is relatively low, I am not sure if it is worth it to buy.
Opinions?
RE: Oxygen concentrator... should I buy instead of rent?
Do you know if the purchase goes to your deductible/out-of-pocket maximum?
Often a pretty subjective decision. I had a family member ponder the same question, and ultimately he chose to buy instead of renting, based on a < two-year ROI. Good luck...
-Jerry
In search of a good night's sleep
RE: Oxygen concentrator... should I buy instead of rent?
There are Pro's and Con's to both. On buying one the pro's are that it's cheaper. The allowable charge by medicare is $70 a month to rent.
You can buy a home Concentrator for $650 or less. That's 10 months worth of rental payments. The Con is if it stops working you have to replace it or get repaired.
Renting the the Pro is if it breaks they replace it usually the same day. The Con is the price of renting.
If it were me and I knew it was long term I'd buy a new one and than pick a used one for backup.
RE: Oxygen concentrator... should I buy instead of rent?
I agree with Walla Walla. One more caveat. If you THINK you are going to need a portable oxygen unit in the next 5 years, find out from your insurance company about coverage. You might also ask your doctor if s/he thinks you'll need a portable.
With Medicare, if you have that, if you buy a unit now, it's the only unit Medicare will pay for during the next 5 years. Portables are MUCH more expensive and the technology on those changes faster.
