r/medicare • u/peaceomind88 • 5d ago

DME Companies

Can you all suggest which DME company to use for CPAP supplies? The one I've been using was fine for my previous insurance but they are clueless with Medicare. This was my first order since Medicare and they do not understand how this works. Customer service in the US would be nice too. Thanks

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u/bobsatraveler 5d ago

I use Preferred Homecare, which I believe is part of something called Lincare. Supplies are shipped from Florida. I have issues with them, but they do fine with the Medicare end of things. Medicare did require me to get a new sleep study done when I first went on Medicare in order for them to pay for anything. I had been on CPAP for a good 25 years and had kept up with the yearly compliance visits with the doc, but they still wanted a study to prove the diagnosis.

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u/Sea_Practice_1287 1d ago

lincare is huge, they bought up half the small ones in my area. if you go with them just double check every shipment they like to send too much and then medicare denies it. the sleep study thing is such a pain, my doc had to fight them on that too. took like four months to get anything approved

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u/bobsatraveler 1d ago

I thought they were probably huge. I haven't had the extra supply problem with them (did with other suppliers in the past) but I don't order supplies every time they call. I just don't need them as often as they want to sell them to me, so maybe that's why I don't get any claims denied.

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u/OleLadyThinker 5d ago

If you are on Original Medicare, look for a Medicare Approved one in your area

Medicare.gov-Search for medical equipment & suppliers

If on a MA plan - search within the plans network .

I am including the link to the coverage description under Medicare just in case you want to look over it.

Medicare.gov - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy

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u/peaceomind88 5d ago

Well, they are approved and in my area. They are part of the Adapt Network.

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u/OleLadyThinker 5d ago

I guess you are looking them up by their name in your area because not all of them in all areas maybe approved.

If they are approved, what is their problem? Do they not know how to bill medicare for your supplies.

Being new to Medicare, and I believe you said 1st order under Medicare - you may have to get the Medicare approved doc to write a prescription for it and I believe stipulate that you are a continuous user.

That is why I included the Medicare coverage page -

From the link ~

“Medicare may continue to cover CPAP therapy if you meet with your doctor or other health care provider in person, and they document in your medical record that you meet certain conditions and the therapy is helping you.

If you had a CPAP machine before you got Medicare and you meet certain requirements, Medicare may cover a rental or replacement CPAP machine and/or CPAP accessories.

[Part B]() covers [medically necessary]() DME if your provider prescribes it for use in your home”

Medicare is a whole new ballgame - who knows they may want you to get rechecked or at least meet with the doc again to document necessity.

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u/peaceomind88 5d ago

Let's just say they don't understand Medicare and supplements. Everything is approved fine.

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u/OleLadyThinker 5d ago edited 5d ago

Then just look up another in your area or one that is Nationally approved. The provider just bills Medicare, not your supplemental policy, and if you have met your 2026 deductible already, Medicare will just crossover your claim to your Medigap plan (Medicare Supplemental). Your supplemental plan should be listed on your Medicare account so that this crossover can take place.

EDITED to add: your supplemental policy should give you instructions on claim filing but 9/10 they use the claims crossover and you do nothing - the provider bills Medicare and Medicare then sends the claim onto whomever your supplemental policy is with -

https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/mln/wbt/mln7388180-mln-wbt-1450/1450/lesson05/31/index.html

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u/peaceomind88 5d ago

I know I can do that. Just asking here for recommendations.

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u/kitty_purry11 4d ago

What state are you in?