Bipap information

handinhand · 10-09-2009, 04:57 PM

I am just wondering if most insurance company's pay for a Bipap machine ? Mine did not pay for the talking device of any kind. So, I am wondering if this is what I have to look forward to with this machine also?? What is the cost of one> Thanks, Linda

BethU · 10-09-2009, 05:08 PM

I've priced them online, and the model I have is a couple thousand dollars, I think. One I wanted was $6,500 online, but it was upscale from mine. Medicare pays for them. I'm sure each insurance company varies.

Try Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. or your local ALSA office. Many people get them free as loaners.

MarianneS · 10-10-2009, 10:00 AM

Hello Handinhand,

I didn't qualify for Medicare because I hadn't worked in the last ten years and am under 65. My insurance company wouldn't cover the $600 per month rental fee. My husband talked with the medical supply company and they agreed to sell us one for $2,000 instead of $3,000. They applied to my insurance company and they agreed to cover $750, maximum amount for durable goods. The medical company is now billing us $250 a month until we reach the $2,000. I will have to pay for replacement masks etc myself when the time comes.
The original company that the clinic set me up with wouldn't sell us one, just rented them for the $600 a month, and so we found a different company, my husband has a c-pap so we called his company, they were more understanding, and worked with us.

I am learning quickly that we have to advocate for ourselves, don't take no for an answer, at least not the first time!

handinhand · 10-10-2009, 06:50 PM

I was hoping to hear that is is much easier to get the bipap. I guess it doesn't matter if we communicate or breath???? Thanks for the information. Linda

sjpowers51 · 10-10-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handinhand

I am just wondering if most insurance company's pay for a Bipap machine ? Mine did not pay for the talking device of any kind. So, I am wondering if this is what I have to look forward to with this machine also?? What is the cost of one> Thanks, Linda

Many insurance companies and Medicare Part B covers bipap vpap machines - our insurance required that the patient use the machine at least 4 hrs a day (this is tracked on a sim card in the machine and read by your vendor). Our was rent to own so to speak - we rent for the first year and then you own it. They are quite expensive and our insurance has a 20% durable medical equip deductible so it can be costly. Unfortunately the bipap didn't work well so we have already returned it.

Senegal · 10-11-2009, 02:17 AM

Regret that I can't remember the cost right now. My insurance paid a substantial amount,however, since it was so costly our portion of the bill was still very substantial. I haven't had it long enough to order new masks etc. I expect the same payment arrangement.

handinhand · 10-12-2009, 10:24 AM

Thanks for all the information. I know that the MDA closet has one... Wondering about using someone else's pipap??? Most things I am fine about.. Just don't know about that L

hpasternak · 10-12-2009, 01:45 PM

Don't worry about using someone elses bipap. Its the hose and mask that you want to be new.

Harvey

MarianneS · 10-12-2009, 03:16 PM

Ask the MDA if they can recommend someone to set the bi-pap at the level you need and help you find a msk that works.

Marianne

CRF8 · 10-12-2009, 09:30 PM

the pulm Dr will have to reset the device tailored to your specs