Medical Care in America

Once I reached the magic age of 65, I became eligible for what my Ob/Gyn called the "Cadillac" of medical insurance: Medicare. Since I also retired with medical coverage for which I pay a small fee, and have prescriptions drugs though my Medicare D rider from the UFT and have dental, vision and hearing coverage, I am in pretty good shape when it comes to health care. And I am grateful for that. But it is the small things that can make you nuts.






About two years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea...no surprise there, three of my four siblings have had the same diagnosis.  I was told I could have surgery since the main culprit in my case is a deviated septum.  I opted for the CPAP machine since several friends and relatives had related good experiences with it, and the thought of surgery, even though not extremely invasive, is not something I really want to do. So, I ordered the machine.




For the uninformed, the continuous positive airway pressure CPAP therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It includes a small machine that supplies a constant and steady air pressure. In my case, it has taken me a very long time to get used to this contraption.  I usually take it off during the time I am sleeping, and the noise will finally wake me up. I then have to put it on again and restart the process.  This happens at least two times a night. Needless to day, I am not a happy sleep camper.


Medicare Part B covers this machine, so imagine my surprise when I received a bill for $1,500 for the machine from the place I got it from via prescription from the ENT guy who diagnosed me two years ago. I also received requests from my secondary insurer regarding charges they denied to pay the rental fee for said machine. In an attempt to fnd out what the heck was going on, I spent the majority of my day on the phone with various and sundry insurers from Don at Medicare (nice enough guy) to Patty and Tammy at the "machine shop".  My favorite call was the first one I made to Beacon, NY at the billing service.  I was told I should go to the post office and mail the machine back to them.


I said, "If you want the machine back, why did you send me a bill for it?"


Their reply,"I don't know.  Just send it back."


My retort, "There is nothing in this letter that tells me to return it.  What if I paid you for it?"


The very intelligent reply,"We still need to have it back."


Then they won't get my money, you think? You can't make this stuff up.  And, remember, I was talking to folks in New York State and New Jersey.


Well, after eight phone calls, and an average of five transfers per call I must do the following:
          1. Contact my healthcare provider ( that's the doctor for those of you who are not sure)
          2. Go to a designated website and download, fill out, save and print up the documents
          3. Get a new prescription from said health care provider/doctor
          4. Fax everything to the new supplier and wait for confirmation
          5. Make an appointment for delivery and sign off on it.


Boy, it is a good thing I am retired and don't have anything to do but take care of my medical situation!  I wonder how others have dealt with this crazy system we have.  Single payer is looking mighty good!