<<That second vent does not just sit there waiting for an emergency. That is
the one I use [without the cascade] on a wheeled walker adapted with a shelf
for
the vent, battery, and O2 pack. It was featured in INTERNATIONAL
VENTILATOR NETWORK NEWS publication this spring.>>
I read the article and was really impressed with your inventive spirit!
<<I am considering joining an HMO [perhaps First Seniority --- Tufts, or
Harvard Secure Horizons]. Does anyone have any experience with either of
them in Mass. while on a vent?>>
I belong to the HMO Harvard Vanguard; I go to the clinic in Chelmsford, Mass.
I've been part of the Harvard HMO plans for almost 12 years now. They've been
really good, in my opinion; however, they are tightening up a little lately. A
couple of times I've appealed something, and then they relented. They also
cover my visits to a local pulmonary specialist who is outside the HMO because
my home clinic doesn't have one. All I have to pay whenever I see him is the
regular copayment of $5. So far they've paid 100% of my vent costs, trach care
and suction kits. Medications cost me the copayment fee of $5 per month. I
don't know if this info helps you or not, Gail.
Carol in Massachusetts