Returning equipment to Apria for refund

My doctor prescribed a CPAP earlier this year, and my insurance at the time covered a rental for three months, at which the unit would be "mine". The three months ended in May, and I happened to change jobs at that time.

Last week, Apria (the CPAP vendor) contacted me requesting that I pay $800+ for the device. I told them that this is the first time I've been contacted, and that I can't return the machine. I tried contacting the billing department, but the hold times (which they tell you) are between 40-80 minutes, and only open 9-5 (when most people are at work).

I can't really afford $800 at the moment, and would like to send the device back for a full or partial refund. Does anyone have any experience with "returning" CPAPs / DME to vendors, especially Apria? Do they have a legal right to refuse equipment returns?

Thank you!

I don't know if going to the local Apria where you got your equipment would help, but, if your original insurance told you that they would pay for 3 months and then the equipment would be yours, why after 3 months in May do you still owe Apria anything? Have you contacted your original insurance company to ask? In any event...the humidifier was most likely purchased on day one when the machine rental started. You should not owe anything for that...it's yours. Look at your original paperwork.

Call your former insurance company and have them investigate how this was paid. That would be your first step. You may already own the machine. If not, find out why not. If Apria did not provide the required documentation to your insurance company, you need to deal with the local office or regional office to get that done.

do not under any circumstances -- none -- give Apria your bank account info. Apria is worse than a menace. Do nothing unless they put the instructions in writing; get receipts. Their billing system is an abomination. Their equipment is just as bad. I'm serious. Read the billing complaints and everything else here:

http://apria.pissedconsumer.com/