Insanity

I never entered the recent healthcare debate. I don’t really understand all of the viewpoints on either side of the Barack “Oblameitall” Health Care plan. I do however understand that there is something very wrong with the system. I was reminded of that today.

I have severe sleep apnea. It’s severe enough to be life threatening. Fortunately for me I adapted very well to the treatment prescribed for my condition. I sleep at night with the aid of a CPAP machine. The CPAP experience can be compared to sticking the end of a hair dryer in your mouth, using a bungee cord to hold it in place, and turning the hair dryer on “HIGH”. Having said that, the benefits of my treatment far out weigh the quality of life I had previous to seeking treatment.

My employer struggles to provide benefits for their employees. It’s not uncommon to change from one insurance company to another each year in an effort to keep cost down.

I’ve recently gone through my 3^rd insurance provider change at my most recent employer.

Last year when my insurance provider changed the company that sold me my CPAP machine was not on the list of “affiliated service providers”. I needed a new mask and some filters for my machine so I called my insurance provider to ask where I might get my parts and maintenance for my machine. I was told that I would have to get a prescription for a new machine and place an order with their “affiliated service provider”.

Please understand that all I needed was a new mask and that it is doctor recommended that I replace it at least 3 times a year. I had been using my mask for over a year.

I went with the program and made an appointment with my doctor. I went to the appointment and waited for three hours before finally seeing the doctor. Five minutes later he scribbled down a prescription and handed it to me and I left.

I went to the affiliated service provider who was 45 minutes from my home (the former service provider was 2 blocks from my employer). They told me to come back in one week. In the mean while I used a coat hanger to try and keep my mask on my head for the next week.

I went back to the “affiliated service provider” the next week and was presented with a bill for $1500 because I had not met my deductible. The bill was $299 for a mask and $1200 for the machine. I was desperate for therapy and felt forced to comply.

Six months later I needed a replacement mask. I entered the model number into google search and found the exact replacement mask for $99. I purchased the mask myself rather than going through the insurance hassle.

This year my employer switched back to  the ORIGINAL  insurance company for healthcare benefits.

Once again I need a replacement mask. The original “affiliated service provider” is where I was directed for the services I need. They will not service the newest CPAP machine I own, not because they can’t, rather because they didn’t sell it to me. They will however, order me a replacement mask for my older machine. Keep in mind that the mask I use is the same model that came with both machines. They also told me that I would have to have a prescription from my doctor and that it would cost $349 because I have not met my deductible.

This afternoon I, once again, ordered the exact same mask online for $99 including shipping.

This is insane....