Since many of us are having trouble getting vents and/or supplies
paid for, I agree it's time we got together and started lobbying HCFA for
some changes. Maybe we should try to get the news media involved. They
love stories about gov't ineptitude and wasting tax-payers money. A lot
of the rules having to do with vents, supplies, and DME (Durable Medical
Equipment) make no sense.
With the spectre of Managed Care looming over our heads, I'm
afraid our problems will only get worse. It's time we started taking
some action now.
Blane
:-)
On Mon, 1 Dec 1997 18:26:18 -0500 brew-parrish(AT)juno.com (Valerie
Brew-Parrish) writes:
>Jim,
>Gosh that's so frustrating that medicare/medicaid won't pay for the
>maintenance of the plv-100's. Like you, I own both of my vents. My
>insurance co. bought a plv-100 in 1985 and last yr. they bought me a
>back-up. Most vent-users rent the vents so maintenance isn't so much
>of a problem. Even though I have insurance, it's still expensive
>having the vent. I have a bill for $92.00 for the vent filters. When
>the vent needs service, I get socked with a whopper bill. May be Joan
>Headley would have some good ideas on how to get the vent repaired.
>This is a serious situation. Perhaps we could ban together and all
>write letters to the govt. agency Blane talked about. If there is any
>way I can help, please let me know!
>Val