Posted by Chris M. on 5/19/2008, 11:37 pm, in reply to "CMS Competitive Bidding Process for DME"
199.232.90.242
Helen, I once spent a lot of time worrying about potential changes in systems, only to find we had all been ripped off. I started as an insured patient and Insurance paid for oxygen. Then I had a gap in Insurance and decided to call each and all companies that could service my area. Since I would be paying cash, I was asking for basics. I was stunned to find that virtually all of them would accept about half of what Medicare is now reimbursing. Moreover, several would shop for any machine I wanted and would allow time payments if I wanted to go that way.
The oxygen companies are in an agony of confusion, anger, denial, and are not only lobbying, but threatening when it may become law, they will then file a lawsuit(s).
I understand their grief, a whole lot less profit. The gouging cannot continue. Fair reimbursement is coming to your state sometime down the road after all the dust and lawsuits are settled, which may take quite awhile.
We have our Docs behind us, State Insurance commissioners, and ultimately Medicare.
Moreover, I suspect the equipment is rapidly changing and we will see completely different machines not too far down the road.
How about wearable concentrators? There has been a breakthrough in batteries too, but I am no techy there. I for one refuse to rise to the bait again and again over which company or piece of equipment is the perfect deal. I think we should knuckle down and be patient and enjoy renting whatever works for now. It wouldn't suprise me either if we got some alternate offers, with competitive equipment and prices. The dream machine of today may become the best deal in town down the road. Maybe you'll have a few for different activities. It's going to work out. It is still against the law to remove anyones oxygen system if there is not an alternative source of oxygen.
Glad to see you posting. Prayers.
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