Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Bruce... you write....Paying more of your costs isn't probably what's in store. Getting poorer service or having fewer options is. I'm thinking 'poorer service and/or fewer options very well could translate into paying more. If I can't get a provider to 'service' me then I may have to pay...if I can't get what I need because the option is no longer available...I may have to pay. Right??? I'm infuriated that Medicare or providers or whomever may make decisions about we as patients (pt) need or deserve. I still have on my mind re: her possible loss of liquid. If we have to pick up our Part "B" insurance on our Medicare...we pay. I know all this is in transition but what do you see as a way to protect ourselves if these things go into effect? I guess there is no way... MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Apria>>>> Hello everyone> Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us have hadwith them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened.>> Apria states it was a Corporate decision:> Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because of theincreased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them.So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen,that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which will handlehigh flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc.>> Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enoughfor me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks donot go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr.,church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then you donot need to be leaving the house.>> Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make ushousebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to thelocal TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He hasalready called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He willalso contact an attorney.>> Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, andwill tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do not thinkan appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATEDECISION!>> Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired.>> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Bruce... you write....Paying more of your costs isn't probably what's in store. Getting poorer service or having fewer options is. I'm thinking 'poorer service and/or fewer options very well could translate into paying more. If I can't get a provider to 'service' me then I may have to pay...if I can't get what I need because the option is no longer available...I may have to pay. Right??? I'm infuriated that Medicare or providers or whomever may make decisions about we as patients (pt) need or deserve. I still have on my mind re: her possible loss of liquid. If we have to pick up our Part "B" insurance on our Medicare...we pay. I know all this is in transition but what do you see as a way to protect ourselves if these things go into effect? I guess there is no way... MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Apria>>>> Hello everyone> Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us have hadwith them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened.>> Apria states it was a Corporate decision:> Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because of theincreased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them.So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen,that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which will handlehigh flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc.>> Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enoughfor me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks donot go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr.,church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then you donot need to be leaving the house.>> Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make ushousebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to thelocal TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He hasalready called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He willalso contact an attorney.>> Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, andwill tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do not thinkan appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATEDECISION!>> Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired.>> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Bruce... you write....Paying more of your costs isn't probably what's in store. Getting poorer service or having fewer options is. I'm thinking 'poorer service and/or fewer options very well could translate into paying more. If I can't get a provider to 'service' me then I may have to pay...if I can't get what I need because the option is no longer available...I may have to pay. Right??? I'm infuriated that Medicare or providers or whomever may make decisions about we as patients (pt) need or deserve. I still have on my mind re: her possible loss of liquid. If we have to pick up our Part "B" insurance on our Medicare...we pay. I know all this is in transition but what do you see as a way to protect ourselves if these things go into effect? I guess there is no way... MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Apria>>>> Hello everyone> Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us have hadwith them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened.>> Apria states it was a Corporate decision:> Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because of theincreased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them.So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen,that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which will handlehigh flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc.>> Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enoughfor me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks donot go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr.,church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then you donot need to be leaving the house.>> Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make ushousebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to thelocal TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He hasalready called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He willalso contact an attorney.>> Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, andwill tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do not thinkan appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATEDECISION!>> Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired.>> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Sher Well, what you are getting as to concentrator and canisters is what they want to provide so you'd seem relatively protected. How it will affect Medicare Advantage Plans like you're on will be determined I guess. As to supplements it could help hold costs. The issue is choice of providers and choice of oxygen alternatives. Then, as there ultimately are fewer providers, service logically worsens. Hopefully congress will resolve this one day. Right now the providers who won the bids here on oxygen and scooter and such could not possibly service all the new customers. > > > > ... I hear you loud and clear and you are facing what many of > will be facing with perhaps Lincare (for me) and other providers. I'm > relieved Tim (oh I hope I have the right name) is going to bat for you! > I'll be watching his lead and keeping notes. > > > > These upcoming changes could be what forces us into living with Lysa. > If we have to pay out much " more " of just about any medical expense, we > are going to be in deep doo-doo. Especially DME. It's expensive! > > > > Thanks for your heads-up post. > > I hope you're comfortable and breathing ok today. > > Love ya, > > MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ Nasturtiums > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > > > Apria > > > > > > > > Hello everyone > > Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us have had > with them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened. > > > > Apria states it was a Corporate decision: > > Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because of the > increased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them. > So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen, > that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which will handle > high flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc. > > > > Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enough > for me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks do > not go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr., > church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then you do > not need to be leaving the house. > > > > Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make us > housebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to the > local TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He has > already called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He will > also contact an attorney. > > > > Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, and > will tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do not think > an appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATE > DECISION! > > > > Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Sher Well, what you are getting as to concentrator and canisters is what they want to provide so you'd seem relatively protected. How it will affect Medicare Advantage Plans like you're on will be determined I guess. As to supplements it could help hold costs. The issue is choice of providers and choice of oxygen alternatives. Then, as there ultimately are fewer providers, service logically worsens. Hopefully congress will resolve this one day. Right now the providers who won the bids here on oxygen and scooter and such could not possibly service all the new customers. > > > > ... I hear you loud and clear and you are facing what many of > will be facing with perhaps Lincare (for me) and other providers. I'm > relieved Tim (oh I hope I have the right name) is going to bat for you! > I'll be watching his lead and keeping notes. > > > > These upcoming changes could be what forces us into living with Lysa. > If we have to pay out much " more " of just about any medical expense, we > are going to be in deep doo-doo. Especially DME. It's expensive! > > > > Thanks for your heads-up post. > > I hope you're comfortable and breathing ok today. > > Love ya, > > MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ Nasturtiums > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > > > Apria > > > > > > > > Hello everyone > > Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us have had > with them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened. > > > > Apria states it was a Corporate decision: > > Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because of the > increased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them. > So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen, > that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which will handle > high flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc. > > > > Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enough > for me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks do > not go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr., > church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then you do > not need to be leaving the house. > > > > Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make us > housebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to the > local TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He has > already called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He will > also contact an attorney. > > > > Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, and > will tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do not think > an appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATE > DECISION! > > > > Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thanks Bruce. I always appreciate your input.... MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Apria> >> >> >> > Hello everyone> > Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us havehad> with them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened.> >> > Apria states it was a Corporate decision:> > Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because ofthe> increased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them.> So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen,> that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which willhandle> high flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc.> >> > Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enough> for me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks do> not go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr.,> church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then youdo> not need to be leaving the house.> >> > Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make us> housebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to the> local TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He has> already called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He will> also contact an attorney.> >> > Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, and> will tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do notthink> an appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATE> DECISION!> >> > Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired.> >> > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thanks Bruce. I always appreciate your input.... MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Apria> >> >> >> > Hello everyone> > Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us havehad> with them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened.> >> > Apria states it was a Corporate decision:> > Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because ofthe> increased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them.> So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen,> that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which willhandle> high flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc.> >> > Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enough> for me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks do> not go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr.,> church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then youdo> not need to be leaving the house.> >> > Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make us> housebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to the> local TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He has> already called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He will> also contact an attorney.> >> > Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, and> will tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do notthink> an appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATE> DECISION!> >> > Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired.> >> > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thanks Bruce. I always appreciate your input.... MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR./ NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Apria> >> >> >> > Hello everyone> > Just a note about Apria. You know how much trouble some of us havehad> with them...especially me and Joyce. Well, something new has happened.> >> > Apria states it was a Corporate decision:> > Apria will no longer provide liquid oxygen to patients. Because ofthe> increased fuel and delivery men wages. It is not profitable for them.> So, they have made the decision that if you are now on liquid oxygen,> that they will replace liquid with a new concentrator which willhandle> high flow. That way it will not have to be refilled etc.> >> > Here's my problem with this. Concentrated oxygen was not good enough> for me. I needed and still need liquid. And, portable oxygen tanks do> not go high enough or last long enough for anyone to go to the Dr.,> church, etc. Apria states that if you need this much oxygen, then youdo> not need to be leaving the house.> >> > Well...if they think we will just let them arbitrarily make us> housebound..well they need to think again. My husband will go to the> local TV station, write letters and do whatever is necessary. He has> already called Cigna to complain and he is writing a letter. He will> also contact an attorney.> >> > Apria said a letter will be delivered to us probably tomorrow, and> will tell us how much time we have to appeal, although they do notthink> an appeal will do anything. As we were told. THIS IS A CORPORATE> DECISION!> >> > Apria!!!! I get so tired of fighting with them. So very tired.> >> > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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