Oxygen Smart

Oxygen Supply and Medicare

Posted by admin - 23/01/09 at 07:01 am

As of January 1st a new law came into effect that is limiting rental coverage of oxygen concentrators, by Medicare. Medicare cover is now set to three years (36 monthly payments- less deductible) but suppliers retain ownership of the equipment instead of beneficiaries (users).

Suppliers however must continue to provide Medicare beneficiaries with supplies and properly functioning oxygen concentrators for an additional two years at no cost. Once the five year period comes to an end the equipment can be replaced and a new three year rental period can begin.

There are 3 important points to remember:

1. Patients will continue to receive oxygen as long as they need it.
2. The oxygen equipment supplier will receive 36 monthly rental payments and they must continue to provide properly functioning equipment and supplies after these 36 months at no cost. After the 5 years are up (60 months) the supplier may replace the equipment but a new 36 monthly rental period will begin.
3. If the supplier refuses to follow these rules, contact: 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)

This entry was posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at 7:57 am and is filed under Medicare. The entry is tagged under medicare, oxygen concentrators, oxygen rental, oxygen supply. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.