Recently I had an experience concerning supplies that made me see that I can help fix America's medical cost spiral. Maybe others can, too.
I've been using a CPAP machine for apnea and I love it, haven't slept this well in years. The peripheral items used with the machine — headgear, a mask, hose and air filter — can be replaced periodically.
I realized the only thing I needed replaced regularly was the headgear, which loses its stickiness. I called the medical supply company and asked them to send me the headgear only. The lady told me it was only sold together with the mask, and there was no other way to do it.
I knew my insurance company would be charged for $326 in medical supplies when all I wanted was $45 worth. A manager told me he didn't really know why, but that's the way it was done. I told him I thought the insurance company was getting ripped off and that it was a dang shame, or words to that effect. Soon he said he would be happy to get the headgear for me by itself.
So I instigated one change that will reduce the cost of medical care, one or two hundred dollars a month. Now I feel like a superhero. If I can do it, others can, too. It was fun.
