[mitchntx]

The wife has a breathing problem where as she sleeps her esophagus relaxes too much and collapses when she exhales. It doesn't close completely, but it slows her breathing to a point where her blood/Ox level was down to around 80!

The short term fix is an Oxygen concentrator so that what air she does get is more pure.

Insurance company would pay 80% of a rental after our $1000 deductible was met. After the deductible, our 20% liability was almost $30. They wouldn't cover the cost of a purchase. WTF!

So, I found several sources of these units, both new and used. Purchase price is anywhere from $250 (used with a 1 year warranty) to new at $850. I bought a 6 month old unit for $300 with 3.5 years of the manufacturer's warranty still in place.

I argued with supervisors and managers about them covering the cost of purchase and even submitted an appeal which was denied. They said that they don't cover purchase of major equipment, only rental. I don't understand the thought process.

[00 Trans Ram]

That sounds just stupid, Mitch.

I know that insurance companies have to make a profit, just like everyone else. But some of their policies are counterproductive.

Lord knows I'm not a big Obama fan. However, I expect a few things to change (geez, I hate that word) once him and Tom Daschle get in charge of healthcare. One of the things is that the nation (at least, the insurance companies and healthcare providers) will start focusing on preventative care.

If logic follows, then machines that help people stay healthy and out of ER departments will be much more likely to be covered.