Question about Medicare coverage

[barney999]

I currently use a prescribed, Medicare paid for, ResMed APAP machine, which I've used compliantly for 2+ years. 

I'm seeing a new sleep doctor tomorrow and I'm hoping to get a prescription for a ResMed ASV machine for my CSA/CSR, however, because of my low AHI with the APAP machine, I'll likely have to pay for the ASV machine myself.

I have three questions related to this.

1) If I get the ASV machine prescription and I pay for it myself, will Medicare cover the cost of periodic machine supplies and masks, even though they didn't pay for the machine?

2) If I don't get the ASV machine prescription and I buy it myself, will Medicare cover the cost of periodic machine supplies and masks, if I use the machine compliantly? 

3) Does Medicare even know which machine I'm using?

I'm posting this as a new thread, rather than in my CSA/CSR thread, because I'm hoping that this will reach a broader audience that may respond. 

Thanks.

[barney999]

Since starting this thread, I realize I should have asked if it was appropriate to post this as a new thread. If not, I can delete it and repost it in my CSA/CSR thread. Please let me know.

Since posting this, I looked into the cost of the supplies that I think I might need in the future.
- Bleep Dreamports = $30 a month = $360 a year. This would be my biggest expense.
- Air Filters. The cost is all over the map. Apria sells 2 for $10. Amazon sells 70 for $12. My guess is that they are all made in China, so I would think the cheapest are fine.

The following items are durable and last at least a year or two, so they are not that expensive.
- ResMed Water Chamber = $29
- ResMed ClimateLineAir Heated Tubing = $46

Based on the above, if Medicare won't cover the supplies, then it's not a big deal. But it would be nicer if they would.

[OpalRose]

Your thread is fine here.

I can't see any reason your DME would stop paying for your supplies. But for peace of mind, call them and ask.