Medicare Blog

how do i get a portable oxygen concentrator through medicare

by Prof. Prudence Lakin PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Does Medicare pay for an Inogen concentrator?

Medicare covers portable oxygen concentrators, including Inogen, for beneficiaries who qualify under Medicare rules. Inogen is covered as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B. Medicare may cover Inogen concentrators for enrollees with COPD, pneumonia and other lung conditions.Oct 12, 2021

How much are portable oxygen concentrators?

between $1495 and $3495New portable oxygen concentrators vary in pricing and usually cost between $1495 and $3495 depending on batteries and other accessories. Customers can opt to purchase a used portable oxygen concentrator, with prices that range from $800 to $2,000 depending on the hours, warranty and condition of the unit.

Can you sleep with a portable oxygen concentrator?

Now you may wonder: can you sleep with a portable oxygen concentrator? The answer is yes and people who already use an oxygen sleeping machine have noted several significant benefits for their health and wellbeing.

Why are portable oxygen concentrators so expensive?

Portable oxygen concentrators cost even more, because they need to be able to house and run off of a battery while going mobile. There are certain models that are less expensive than others – not because they are inferior or because they don't have the best features or the high settings.Oct 27, 2021

What is portable oxygen concentrator?

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Medicare Insurance (The Stance of Medicare) Many Medicare beneficiaries who have needs for oxygen equipment, including POC, have always sought to know the government-controlled healthcare stance on oxygen tanks and concentrators.

How long does it take to maintain an oxygen concentrator?

This obligation could take up to a maximum of five years if you need the POC for that long.

How long does oxygen support last?

The payment process remains unchanged as well. With the new supplier or renewed contract, a new 36 months obligation will begin, lasting for up to another five years if you need it.

Does Medicare cover oxygen equipment?

The conditions are outlined below: – Medicare will only be obliged to cover the cost of oxygen equipment and their accessories on the basis of rent; they will also cover the cost of delivering the equipment to your home. The suppliers of the equipment must be an approved Medicare Oxygen equipment provider.

Does Medicare pay for portable oxygen concentrators?

It is very important to note that Medicare does not fund the purchase of portable oxygen concentrators or any other oxygen equipment. They only cover the equipment’s rent, and you will have to pay 20% of the total fee. You will also be the one to get the supplier. It is advisable you get a recommendation from your doctor as it can be very difficult ...

Does Medicare cover seniors?

Generally, Medicare covers seniors’ health care bills from 65 years and above, younger people with certain disabilities, and people who require a kidney transplant. The coverage offered by Medicare ranges from common medical treatments to more advanced surgeries.

What does Medicare cover for Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Medicare does cover medical equipment and oxygen devices but the key is they do not cover the cost to purchase this equipment outright. They cover a rental agreement where oxygen equipment can be rented to you monthly for a 36 month agreement.

How to Get A Portable Oxygen Concentrator

It is possible to get a portable oxygen concentrator without a prescription here in the USA. There are some on Amazon (link). You will not find any reputable brands or high quality portable oxygen concentrators there though. To get a quality one from a reputable brand you will need to have a valid prescription from a medical doctor.

How much will a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Cost?

If we do not account for insurance it will run you anywhere from $1000-2000 depending on what model and accessories you get. That’s the raw cost. Now, it is possible to get one covered completely for free.

What if I have a Medicare advantage plan?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will not be able to get any reimbursement from Medicare. Since your Health Plan is primary, if you want any insurance coverage you will only be able to order oxygen supplies from a local durable medical equipment vendor that is in network for your plan.

Things to Consider when purchasing Oxygen Devices

You may be interested in getting certain accessories for your portable oxygen concentrator. Things like extra batteries, carry bags, car chargers, and more. Some of these items can get very expensive. If you are interested in getting accessories we recommend you check out places like Amazon and Ebay.

How long does an oxygen supply last?

After 36 months, your supplier must continue to provide oxygen equipment and related supplies for an additional 24 months. Your supplier must provide equipment and supplies for up to a total of 5 years, as long as you have a medical need for oxygen.

What is Medicare approved amount?

Medicare-Approved Amount. In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference. , and the Part B deductible applies.

What is Part B insurance?

Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. covers the rental of oxygen equipment and accessories as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.

Does Medicare cover oxygen equipment?

If you meet the conditions above, Medicare oxygen equipment coverage includes: Systems that provide oxygen. Containers that store oxygen. Tubing and related oxygen accessories for the delivery of oxygen and oxygen contents. Medicare may also pay for a humidifier when it's used with your oxygen machine.

What is a portable oxygen concentrator?

They operate the same way as a home concentrator in that they are able to take air and convert it into medical grade oxygen. Portable concentrators were designed to provide patients with more freedom than a tank.

What is stationary concentrator?

As a quick review, a stationary concentrator is designed to provide a patient with medical grade oxygen while in the home. They run only on AC (wall outlet) power. These units are robust and typically kept in a central location and operated from within the home environment with a long tube (up to 50 ft) providing oxygen to a cannula. Many of the older units can be loud, energy intensive (often over 600watts) and heavy (some are over 50 lbs). The typical home concentrator has settings from 1 liter per minute to 5 liters per minute of oxygen flow.

How long do portable batteries last?

Some units have an internal battery that lasts an hour and other units have batteries lasting up to 8 hours. Most batteries are lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

Does insurance cover oxygen concentrators?

Many supplemental insurance companies will cover some or all of the purchase or rental of a portable oxygen concentrator. It depends on the insurance provider, of course, but many have their own requirements and qualifications.

What is pulse mode?

In pulse mode, a small bolus (or puff) of oxygen is delivered via the cannula every time a patient takes a breath. Most equipment has pulse settings of 1-3 or 1- 5 etc. A range of settings allows a patient to adjust the dose to fit their exertion levels.

What is PayPal credit?

Paypal Credit is a PayPal service that lets you buy now and pay later. Think of it as a secure, instant, and reusable credit line without the plastic. Paypal Credit is available as a payment option at thousands of online stores and once added to your PayPal account, it can be used almost everywhere PayPal is accepted.

Does Medicare require a portable oxygen concentrator?

A Medicare provider is NOT required to provide a patient any particular equipment and specifically, does not need to provide a patient with a portable oxygen concentrator. The most common solution is a stationary “home” concentrator and refillable oxygen tanks.

How long can you rent oxygen equipment?

After meeting all the requirements listed on the Medicare website, you may be eligible to rent your oxygen equipment for a payment period of 36 months (3 years). Your supplier must continue to meet your supplemental oxygen needs by continuing this agreement for 24 months after those three years are up, for a total of five years. During this time, your provider will own the equipment that you are renting. When the 3-5 years are up, you have the option to renew your rental agreement.

How old do you have to be to get Medicare?

If you are 65 years of age or older, have a medical condition or disability, and have worked and paid for Medicare taxes for a certain period of time, you are eligible for Medicare. The amount you actually pay is determined by different factors. If you are lucky enough to find a Medicare-approved supplier of oxygen equipment in your area, ...

Does Medicare have competitive bidding?

To make matters worse, Medicare has implemented a Competitive Bidding Program, where companies with the lo west bids were offered a contract with Medicare. This makes it very difficult for patients to find an oxygen supplier that is fully approved by Medicare in many areas.

Does Medicare cover portable oxygen concentrators?

However, this only applies for the rental of a portable or home oxygen concentrator. Medicare will not purchase or cover the costs of purchasing a portable oxygen ...

How does an oxygen concentrator work?

These units work by continuously drawing in air, purifying it, and concentrating the oxygen for instant use. This prevents the need to purchase refills or buy replacement canisters.

What is covered by Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B insurance covers medically necessary services, supplies and durable medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators, tanks, refills, tubing, masks, storage devices, and more. All of these pieces of equipment can be covered as long as they are deemed necessary for use in your home on a daily basis.

Does Medicare cover Inogen?

Medicare Coverage for Inogen. In order for your Medicare benefits to help pay for the cost of Inogen, your physician will need to document your symptoms, including the extent of your oxygen needs. Some of these symptoms may include changes in your heart rate, coughing or wheezing, changes in behavior or mood, and breathing rate.

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