+- Apnea Board Forum - CPAP | Sleep Apnea (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Public Area (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Public-Area)
+--- Forum: Main Apnea Board Forum (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum)
+--- Thread: How often will insurance replace machine? (/Thread-How-often-will-insurance-replace-machine)
Pages:
1
2
How often will insurance replace machine? - johns019 - 04-20-2013
I did do a search first, but couldn't find my answer - sorry in advance if this is a dead horse.
I just got to use my machine again last night after a few days without it (due to a bloody nose) and I started wondering about what would it be like if my machine died.
Does anyone know how long a life to expect from the machine and how often most insurance will go for it?
When I got my machine last June, my insurance company said there was no $ limit on DME, but I have a $250 deductible each year.The company that did my sleep study and provided the equipment has gone out of business (Sleep Health Centers). Fortunately they contacted me just before they went out and said I was eligible for a new mask,hose,filters and water tank, so I have replaced them.
Just want to be prepared
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - SuperSleeper - 04-20-2013
Hi johns019,
The useful life of most CPAP machines is considered to be around 5 years. But many folks have been using their machine for longer periods. Pretty sure most insurance and Medicare programs will not replace a machine unless it's older than 5 years as well.
Hopefully others can add to this.
Also, I sent you a PM (Private Message)... click here.
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - grumpycat - 04-20-2013
Medicare authorizes replacement every 5 years. See also
"Your Guide to Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics" which does not provide this rule, but includes other info about Medicare and DME. Note that if under warranty, you should be able to use that. Also, Google "Repair and Replacement Fast Facts" for an info sheet from Resmed.
Oops, just saw that you have private insurance. Most insurers follow Medicare guidelines, but you should check with them first.
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - johns019 - 04-20-2013
Thank you!
I started thinking if 8 hrs / night x 365 day about 2900 hrs / year - how long is it good for?
5 years sounds like a pretty good life expectancy for my machine.
Who knows what will have happened with insurance by then
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - Shastzi - 04-20-2013
From another standpoint: How fast can you get a replacement machine in if your current one breaks down, hit by lightning or the fan just has a seizure?
Will your current plan get you another machine going for you within 24 hrs or not?
I always keep a small emergency back up CPAP on the shelf, just in case. It's not great but it is better than no machine at all.
Cheers!
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - imfletch - 04-24-2013
(04-20-2013, 01:22 PM)Shastzi Wrote: From another standpoint: How fast can you get a replacement machine in if your current one breaks down, hit by lightning or the fan just has a seizure?
Will your current plan get you another machine going for you within 24 hrs or not?
I always keep a small emergency back up CPAP on the shelf, just in case. It's not great but it is better than no machine at all.
Cheers!
Hmm, good point. I'm going to purchase an inexpensive "back-up" right now.
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - Shastzi - 04-24-2013
I use the brick during stormy weather too, so I need not worry about blowing up the good machine.
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - archangle - 04-25-2013
Keep an eye out for something on Craigslist, friends, family, etc. You might find a really good buy if you watch for a while. If you're looking for a backup, it may pay you to shop carefully.
You might even try your own ad on Cragslist or somewhere similar. There are a lot of people with CPAP machines gathering dust because they gave up on them.
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - dave.brendle - 05-10-2013
Just for the record, my ResMed S7 which was just replaced with an S9 Elite was 9 years old and just short of 25,000 hours. Never missed a beat. It is now on my shelf as a backup.
RE: How often will insurance replace machine? - Airstream - 05-12-2013
Geez, never though about a back-up or when my machine can be replaced. That's for posting the question.
