Is your deductible met? You can save on CPAP supplies NOW
Insurance deductibles are often met by this time of year for many.Might this be your case?
If so, we offer this insider tip:
Now is the time to take advantage of
your post-deductible insurance coverage
for CPAP equipment and supplies.
Understanding deductibles
Every year, starting January 1, your insurance policy(including your CPAP machine insurance coverage) resets itself and begins with brand-new deductibles. The deductible is the part you must pay toward your coverage before insurance kicks in to reimburse you for your medical expenses.
In example:
If your insurance has a deductible of $500, this means that you will need to pay $500 toward your medical costs before your insurance takes on the rest of your expenses.
Once you’ve paid down your deductible to $0, any expenses you have moving forward are reimbursed either partially or completely by your payer.
How can you save money now on your CPAP supplies?
Check your deductible by making a quick phone call to your insurance carrier, visiting your policy account online, or checking your most recent statement from them showing your deductible status.
If your deductible has been satisfied, good news! Now you can look into replenishing your CPAP supplies, replacing CPAP parts, and even buying new durable medical equipment (DME), such as a spare or travel CPAP.
Anything covered by your insurance company applies:
-
CPAP masks
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Mask headgear
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Mask cushions
-
CPAP filters (both disposable and built-in filters)
-
CPAP tubing (include regular and heated)
-
CPAP machine
Review your supplies now to see what needs to be replaced or replenished, applying this checklist:
CPAP replacement and replenishment checklist
Are you almost out of disposable filters?
What about the state of your mask cushions or CPAP tubing… are there leaks or holes?
Is your mask wearing out? What about the cushions or headgear?
How old is your machine? Might it be time to replace with a newer model?
Do you travel enough or have a second residence where having a second CPAP machine might be a viable option for you?
Do you need cleaning supplies or have an interest in a CPAP cleaning system?
It’s likely that many of your needs for sleep apnea supplies will occur before the end of the year. Time to stock up and save money!
The Sound Sleep Health CPAP Supply Replacement Schedule recommends are placement frequency based on the most common insurance guidelines.
With this in mind, check over all of your CPAP equipment and supplies. If anything looks worn out or will probably need replacing soon, consider calling your DME to see what you are eligible for. You might even be able to replace your old CPAP machine!
Some insurance coverage for CPAP may even reimburse for new machines specifically used for traveling or use at a second residence, as well as sleep apnea masks complete with headgear.
Your DME provider can take a look at your insurance and CPAP needs and tell you what you could be in the market for.
What about people enrolled in pre-tax health savings programs?
You may participate in a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) program through your employer.
These programs are designed to provide you with an opportunity to set aside a percentage of your income before taxes to dedicate to your healthcare expenses.Often, you must “use it or lose it,” as your contributions may not “roll over” into the next year, meaning that total also resets in January…to zero.
If this is the case, you may want to spend your tax-free dollars onCPAP expenses before they disappear.
They may even be applied to CPAP products you purchase through your DME’s “cash pay” option. Some DMEs offer added discounts for those paying cash, which could save you even more money than if you filed your purchases through insurance.
It never hurts to ask; you have everything to gain.And who doesn’t want to save money on a CPAP mask replacement?
Keep in mind… you’re going to have to replace and replenish your CPAP equipment eventually… why not take advantage of your insurance coverage and pre-tax savings now while you can?
