DME to provide NEW PAP machine?

[zzzZorro]

I have read so far both sides of this conversation and still confused. I understand the DME gets back used machines but I personally want a NEW one if I'm going to have to depend on it for 5+ years.  I am finally about to get a prescription for either a Bi-PAP or ASV and need to understand my rights for medicare insurance.
I have used an APAP (unofficially) prior to the sleep study so I know the prescribed unit will be utilized.  Do I have the right to demand the DME supply me with a NEW machine?  From what I have gathered, medicare RENTS that unit for 13 months and my supplemental pays 20% of that rent.  With a Doctor's certification that the unit was beneficial to the condition, after the 13 months I then own THAT unit.  Correct?
Thanks

[Gideon]

Think of it as Rent to Own. You want a NEW unit.

[zzzZorro]

Think of it as Rent to Own.  You want a NEW unit.

Right, I WANT a new unit, but do I have a right to DEMAND a new unit?

[HalfAsleep]

I have read so far both sides of this conversation and still confused. I understand the DME gets back used machines but I personally want a NEW one if I'm going to have to depend on it for 5+ years.  I am finally about to get a prescription for either a Bi-PAP or ASV and need to understand my rights for medicare insurance.
I have used an APAP (unofficially) prior to the sleep study so I know the prescribed unit will be utilized.  Do I have the right to demand the DME supply me with a NEW machine?  From what I have gathered, medicare RENTS that unit for 13 months and my supplemental pays 20% of that rent.  With a Doctor's certification that the unit was beneficial to the condition, after the 13 months I then own THAT unit.  Correct?
Thanks

You are entirely right in your reasoning and the specifications.

Medicare gets you a NEW machine.

Look carefully at the equipment. Is it "shop-worn"? Scuffed? Does the power cord have that kinky "newly unwrapped" look? Are there dust particles in unlikely places?

Find out from this board (I'm only familiar with my own machine) how to tell on the spot whether the machine is used. It has an "odometer" (usage hours) that the DME can't change. Write down the instructions if they're hard to remember.

Watch to see that hose, masks, anything is opened in front of you.

Don't sign for anything without verifying you have it in your sack of equipment.

Have the doctor write the exact prescription for the exact model you want with no substitutions. It should spell out everything, including hose type, humidifier, "mask of choice".... Get a copy of the prescription. Folks at this forum can tell you what machine you should angle for. Then negotiate this with your doctor.

Read up on the two or more threads written in the last 2 weeks on DME/Medicare fraud.

Ask for support and further instrux here.

Good luck from an "almost ripped-off senior citizen" who wised up with the help of the ApneaBoard.

[Walla Walla]

Of course you have the right! They can't make you take a used one. You have the right to walk out and go somewhere else!

[Gideon]

You will be paying Full Price either way. IMHO absolutely you have the right to get a new unit. Check the RUN hours, not the treatment hours.

[Gideon]

Good point, You have the right to use any DME your insurance allows.

[HalfAsleep]

Think of it as Rent to Own.  You want a NEW unit.

Right, I WANT a new unit, but do I have a right to DEMAND a new unit?

YES. 

And you are encouraged to get demanding. 

[zzzZorro]

Thanks Gentlemen, EXACTLY what I was looking for

[HalfAsleep]

Thanks Gentlemen, EXACTLY what I was looking for

Great....

But may I put in a plea for less gender-specificity?