Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Sher Paying more of your costs isn't probably what's in store. Getting poorer service or having fewer options is. There are some pervasive thoughts existing within medicare right now and part of congress, although a minority. It's all about them wanting to decide what we need or deserve. They have no concept of the differences of oxygen systems and what works for one versus another. What idiocy that medicare won't cover a $65 oximeter. The believe that the doctors are quite overpaid. I've looked at how little medicare pays today. I know what they were paying for oxygen delivery before the bidding program wasn't too much. There is also a thought that we don't need to or have a right to get out, that we should all just sit at home quietly and die. I resent that more than any words I'd use here can express. But its not new. Medicare will only pay for a powerchair or scooter if you need it to get around inside your home. You have no human right to ever go beyond your front door. Now for a provider to tell someone that if she needs that much oxygen she should stay at home. For them to make decisions that should be left to a doctor as to the maximum rehab. They have no idea the role extended rehab plays in both extended life and successful transplants. All of you on private insurance and not medicare, be just as concerned about every medicare decision. When it comes to lung diseases and medical equipment the vast majority is medicare so they dictate. Do you think your insurer will pay more than medicare? Do you think you'll have greater options? Do you think you won't suffer when your local medical supplier closes their doors. Of the two three durable medical equipment suppliers I've talked to directly, their business has been 70%, 90% and 95% medicare in this market. The local supplier I use had already made plans if they didn't get the bid to subcontract but knowing ultimately they'd have to sell their facility. They did get the bid. They already are providing concentrators for new patients unless the doctor otherwise requires, even though they are one of the largest suppliers of liquid in the market and built their business on liquid. > > ... 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...
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