Continuing therapy during life changes

[kona0197]

So long story short, my insurance will cover a new machine and my Resmed AirSense 10 bit the dust. My DME was kind enough to let me purchase a new iBrezze 20 machine for cheap last month. Only issue is that I just got laid off. I'm getting really good sleep with the machine. Anyone know of any options to help me keep the machine? TIA.

[ChicagoGranny]

let me purchase a new iBrezze 20 machine

If you own the machine, what is the concern about keeping it?

[Janknitz]

Can you clarify?
1. Did you (or your former insurance company) buy the machine outright? Or was it a capped rental, which would become a purchase after a period of time?
2. Do you have new insurance?
3. Did you pay with credit card and you can't make the payments because you lost your job.

We are missing some info to be able to answer your question. Please explain.

[kona0197]

let me purchase a new iBrezze 20 machine

If you own the machine, what is the concern about keeping it?

I do not own the machine yet. My DME has me on a payment plan. $125 a month for 4 months.

[kona0197]

Can you clarify?
1. Did you (or your former insurance company) buy the machine outright? Or was it a capped rental, which would become a purchase after a period of time?
2. Do you have new insurance?
3. Did you pay with credit card and you can't make the payments because you lost your job.

We are missing some info to be able to answer your question. Please explain.

1. The machine is on a payment plan for 4 months. No rental.
2. No. I have the same insurance I have had for years. They will not cover a new machine until January 2024.
3. I pay with a debit card and can't pay do to job loss.

[ChicagoGranny]

Oh wow. I would hate for you to lose that machine. If you have already made one payment, that leaves $375. Have you thought about starting a GoFundMe? https://www.gofundme.com/sign-up

[Janknitz]

If there's any chance you could pay something, you might ask if the DME will allow you to make smaller payments. They might not be able to because of contractual arrangements with your insurer, or may not be willing to, but it's worth asking. They might prefer that to taking back a now used machine. Or if they can't make a deal on that machine, perhaps they have another used machine they could sell you for the amount you've already paid (again, this may be a contractual problem with your insurance company, but you can ask).

The American Sleep Apnea Association might be able to help. Check it out here: https://www.sleephealth.org/asaa/cap-program/ It doesn't look like they are providing machines right now, but you should inquire.

Also watch your local Craigslist and FaceBook Marketplace for used CPAP's. Sometimes people give up and don't use them, then they sell them online. Shop carefully. You don't want a machine from a home where there are smokers, pet hair, lots of hours on the machine, etc. If they are priced too high, see if it's possible to negotiate.

I hope you can work this out and get another well-paying job soon!

[kona0197]

If there's any chance you could pay something, you might ask if the DME will allow you to make smaller payments. They might not be able to because of contractual arrangements with your insurer, or may not be willing to, but it's worth asking. They might prefer that to taking back a now used machine. Or if they can't make a deal on that machine, perhaps they have another used machine they could sell you for the amount you've already paid (again, this may be a contractual problem with your insurance company, but you can ask).

This was a deal made by my DME to me. My insurance had nothing to do with it, nor are they involved it the deal.

[Janknitz]

This was a deal made by my DME to me. My insurance had nothing to do with it, nor are they involved it the deal.

Then it's definitely worth talking to them about your present circumstances. Even if you can pay a small amount a month until you get a new job, they may be willing to work with you rather than taking back a used machine.

But if your insurance will cover a machine 100% with that DME so you don't have to pay the rest, talk to them to see what can be worked out, too.

[kona0197]

This was a deal made by my DME to me. My insurance had nothing to do with it, nor are they involved it the deal.

But if your insurance will cover a machine 100% with that DME so you don't have to pay the rest, talk to them to see what can be worked out, too.

Yeah my insurance will cover a brand new machine in January 2024.

[Janknitz]

Yeah my insurance will cover a brand new machine in January 2024.

6+ months of no treatment is not a good idea. Call your DME and see if they will work with you.