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Does Medicare Cover Inogen One G4

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Does Humana Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator – Expert Review

Yes. Humana is also similar to what Medicare offers. They are only different in some ways, which you can read in the following paragraphs below.

Insurance Requirements and Guidelines

First, your respiratory therapist or physician can refer you to different services. However, Humana requires initial approval before your doctor can lead you to a specific service.

In this process, the company will consider whether or not the service is medically necessary, covered, and meets the general and accepted medical practice. Moreover, durable medical equipment, such as a portable oxygen concentrator, will also need prior authorization if the costs exceed $750.

Insurance Coverage

Humana’s insurance coverage includes purchasing or renting durable medical equipment, including adjustments and repairs. Nevertheless, it is their authority to choose between buying or renting one. Some examples of the items they cover are

  • Oxygen concentrators

Payments and Duration

The Medicare Advantage Plan establishes how Humana manages and reimburses its charges for DMEs, such as supplies, contents, and other related services. In this case, you can refer to Medicare’s payments and duration above to learn more.

Warranty Length And Type Of Coverage

Warranties vary among manufacturers of portable oxygen concentrators, both in terms of length and what they cover. One thing to ask about is when the warranty starts. Some companies begin their warranty on the date the unit is put on a stores shelves , not when it arrives at your house.

For example, if a portable oxygen concentrator has been sitting on the shelf for three months before you buy it, you may have lost three months of your warranty. Other companies dont start the warranty period until you purchase the unit, and this is obviously better for you as the customer.

How Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work

Portable oxygen concentrators convert outside air into almost pure oxygen with the following steps:

  • Draws outside air into the unit
  • Filters the air to remove any contaminants
  • Compresses the filtered air
  • Passes the filtered and compressed air through a sieve bed that extracts the nitrogen
  • The resulting air is about 95% oxygen, which flows from the machine through tubing connected to the machine on one end and to a nasal cannula or face mask on the other end.

    For more information, the American Lung Association has a webpage with helpful videos showing how to use a portable oxygen concentrator.3

    Read Also: What Does My Medicare Cover

    What Is A Oxygen Concentrator

    There are two types of concentrators: a bigger model you can use at home, and a lighter, portable model you can use on the go.

    The oxygen concentrator is a machine that filters out the nitrogen and other gases in the air around you, giving you purified oxygen through a thin tube.

    There are two types of concentrators: a bigger model that can be used at home, and a lighter, portable model that can be taken on the go.

    The concentrator requires electricity and air to work properly. If the power goes out, it wont work until power is restored. It also needs to be cleaned every few weeks or so to prevent bacteria buildup in its internal parts.

    An oxygen concentrator isnt the same thing as an oxygen tank, which delivers liquid or gas oxygen. Instead, the concentrator is a machine that pulls in the air around you and filters out the nitrogen.

    A thin tube runs from the device to your face, giving you purified oxygen through two open prongs below your nostrils. Some people use a facemask to get a higher concentration and flow of oxygen.

    Comparison Of Inogen Models

    Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator (8

    Depends, only offered through Medicare and insurance

    $2,651$3,344,depending on the battery and warranty selected

    $2,882$3,586,depending on the battery and warranty selected

    Battery life

    Noise level in decibels

    39dB

    Max O2 output by liters per minute

    1.05 L/min

    • Cost: Price depends, only available through Medicare and insurance
    • Weight: 4.9 lbs , 5.7 lbs
    • Dimensions: 8.75 L x 3 W x 8.25 H inches 8.78 L x 3 W x 9.29 H
    • Battery Life: 4.7 hrs on setting 1 and 4 hrs on setting 2 up to 10 hrs on setting 1
  • Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse dose
  • Flow Settings: 15 settings
  • Noise Level: 39 dB
  • Max O2 Output: 1.05 L/min
  • FAA-approved: Yes
  • The Inogen One G3 portable oxygen concentrator is Inogens only model that cannot be purchased directly. The G3 is available exclusively through Medicare and insurance meaning that your insurance representative would order the concentrator for you after your doctor has prescribed it.

    All Inogen One systems use Intelligent Delivery technology that automatically adjusts to your breathing rate instead of automatically delivering pre-measured puffs of oxygen. The Inogen One G3 has five different flow settings and a max oxygen flow of 1.05 liters of oxygen per minute on setting 5.

    • Cost: $2,651$3,344, varies based on battery and warranty
    • Weight: 2.8 lbs , 3.3 lbs
    • Dimensions: 5.91 L x 2.68 W x 7.2 H 5.91 L x 2.68 W x 7.79 H
  • Battery Life: 2.7 hrs on setting 1 and 2.25 hrs on setting 2 up to 5 hrs on setting 1
  • Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow
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    Regain your independence and do the things you want with the portable Inogen One G4. Medicare members and people on eligible insurance plans may qualify for an Inogen One G4 at little or no cost.

    None have been identified for this spot
    • Submit ONCE per commercial, and allow 48 to 72 hours for your request to be processed.
    • Once verified, the information you provide will be displayed on our site.
    None have been identified for this spot.
    • Submissions should come only from actors, their parent/legal guardian or casting agency.
    • Submit ONCE per commercial, and allow 48 to 72 hours for your request to be processed.
    • Once verified, the information you provide will be displayed on our site.

    When Is Home Oxygen Prescribed

    Your doctor may prescribe home oxygen if you have a medical condition that reduces blood oxygen levels. This is known as hypoxemia.

    Symptoms of hypoxemia include:

    • A pale or blueish tint to the lips and skin
    • Fast breathing or shortness of breath
    • Increased heart rate

    A wide array of health conditions may cause hypoxemia, including:

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Cystic fibrosis

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    Does Medicare Cover Oxygen For Copd Treatment

    If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and your doctor determines that oxygen therapy is medically necessary for you, Medicare will help cover your oxygen equipment.

    Other health conditions that could require you to need medically necessary oxygen therapy can include:

    • Cystic fibrosis

    As mentioned above, Medicare Part B will cover the rental of your oxygen concentrator and other equipment only if it is prescribed by your doctor for use in your home.

    Find Reputable Retailers And Providers

    Setting Up the Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator

    You can conveniently find a product you want through the internet. You will only need to click a few times on your phone, and a portable oxygen concentrator can come right in front of your door.

    However, the downside is that you can be unaware if the sellers are scammers or if the oxygen units are original. Dishonest companies may appear, so you must be careful who to transact with when purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator.

    One of the most common things disreputable retailers do is that they do not require prescriptions from buyers. Since these oxygen machines need certifications or medical papers, purchasing a unit from someone who does not ask for one will most likely give you a low-grade oxygen concentrator.

    Moreover, you must check if the unit is a medical oxygen machine or recreational. These things are different, so if you wrongly purchase the latter, you cannot receive adequate delivery of oxygen specified on your prescription.

    If you find a company that does not provide what you need, you may become obliged to spend more to buy new ones. Furthermore, they may also harm your health because you cannot use the machine when you need it the most.

    Fortunately, you do not have to look elsewhere because Sprylyfe guarantees high-quality portable oxygen concentrators. You can check our list or contact our product specialists to assist you!

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    How To Pay For Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators

    To purchase the G3, contact your Medicare or insurance provider.

    To buy the G4 or G5, make sure you have a current oxygen therapy prescription from your doctor, then go to the Oxygen Concentrator Store or Inogen website to choose the model youd like to purchase. Both the Oxygen Concentrator Store and Inogen can bill Medicare or insurance directly.After you select the model, battery type , and warranty options , click Add to Cart. You can make your purchase using a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit card. After you submit, an Inogen representative will confirm your order by phone.

    More On Inogen One Medicare Coverage

    If Medicare does approve coverage for a portable oxygen concentrator like Inogen One, it will do so for 36 months. You will need to get it through an approved oxygen supplier in order for Medicare to pay for it.

    The coverage will include the oxygen delivery system along with equipment and accessories for oxygen delivery. This will include things like oxygen storage containers and tubing. Medicare will also cover maintenance as well as any necessary servicing and repairs.

    What happens after 36 months? You can keep renting your portable oxygen generator and supplies for another 24 months, up to a total of 5 years. However, you will need to prove you have a medical need for the oxygen and your health is dependent on it.

    You can still renew your Inogen One rental after 5 years. However, your supplier does not have to keep providing you with service after that time. One thing you can do to try to avoid issues down the road is go through a supplier that has a lot of experience working with Medicare.

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    Q: What Happens If The Outside Of My Concentrator Gets Contaminated With Covid

    A: If your unit becomes contaminated follow the cleaning procedures provided with the Product Instructions for Use. These procedures state:

    Case CleaningYou may clean the outside case using a cloth dampened with a mild liquid detergent and water. Do not submerse the Inogen One® or its accessories in water or allow water to enter into the case this may lead to electrical shock and/or damage.To fully decontaminate your unit the CDC recommends using a disinfectant on surfaces after cleaning. If this is desired, over the counter disinfecting wipes may be used. Follow wipe manufacturers recommendations for use. Inogen has not validated the use of disinfectants but has determined using wipes will not hurt the function of the unit.

    How Many Hours Does Inogen Oxygen Last

    Jual Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator

    Inogen portable oxygen concentrators last 2.2513 hours on a single charge, depending on the model, battery, and flow setting.

    To help extend your battery life, Inogen recommends you charge your battery to 100% and aim to use about 50% before recharging. This will help the battery hold a charge more effectively.

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    What Medical Experts Say

    With an oxygen concentrator, reliability is key, and the Inogen machines are some of the best available, says Conor OFlynn, the operations manager at medical supply company OFlynn Medical. This sentiment is shared across the different modelsthe At Home, the G3, the G4 and the G5. Their portable options are the best a person can get today, he says.

    The G3 is probably the most popular portable option due to its lightweight structure, multiple flow settings, impressive 10-hour battery life and, perhaps most importantly, its FAA approval. Its miles ahead of the competitors, says OFlynn. However, the newer G5 model gives you all the bells and whistles of the G3 and improves upon them, including more flow settings and longer battery life, and it weighs less than the previous model.

    Does Insurance Or Medicare Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators

    Medicare Part B covers the rental of durable medical equipment, which includes oxygen concentrators if certain criteria are met, such as if your doctor prescribes oxygen for severe lung disease or if your health may improve with oxygen therapy and other measures have failed.5

    If you meet the criteria, Medicare helps pay for the rental of supplemental oxygen, containers, tubing, and other related supplies for the delivery of oxygen, but it does not cover the purchase of portable oxygen concentrators. If you buy a portable oxygen concentrator and meet your deductible, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the portable oxygen concentrator.As for insurance outside of Medicare, each insurance company varies on whether itll cover part or all of the costs of oxygen concentrators.Check with your Medicare or insurance provider for more details. For additional information and help finding benefits you can use, visit NCOAs Benefits CheckUp tool.

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    Comparison Of Oxygen Concentrators Vs Oxygen Tanks

    Oxygen concentrators
    Less operational costs, one-time transportation More operational costs, including transportation
    Pulls from surrounding air Liquid or gas oxygen

    Visit Inogens company website to watch YouTube tutorials and step-by-step videos on how to set up your portable oxygen concentrator. Or, if you need assistance with setup, you can contact Inogens customer care team 24/7 at .

    Inogen Portable Oxygen Or Another Option

    Inogen One G4 Maintenance: Routine Maintenance for the Inogen One G4

    This situation means that some seniors are looking at alternatives to portable oxygen concentrators. However, for some people, the alternatives just dont work. The main alternative is a traditional oxygen tank. These are cumbersome at best, and if youre paying for the refills yourself, youll find the cost adds up quickly.

    Depending on your exact situation, you might be able to get traditional oxygen or liquid oxygen therapy through Medicare more easily than portable oxygen. However, Inogen portable oxygen has strong advantages over other kinds of therapy:

    • There are no refills to worry about.
    • The machines are small and light enough to carry on a daily basis, giving you the freedom to go where you like.
    • Keeping the unit running is as easy as charging the battery
    • Many portable oxygen concentrators are FAA approved for use on flights.Cleaning and maintenance is easy.

    Its easy to see why Inogen portable oxygen concentrators are a popular choice with seniors. If you know you want an Inogen portable machine for yourself, there are some other ways to cut the cost.

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    Does Inogen Have Continuous Flow

    No, Inogen does not have continuous flow options for their portable oxygen concentrators. Krista Elkins, paramedic and registered nurse, explained the difference between intermittent and continuous flow: Intermittent flow tends to be more efficient, and the oxygen will last longer than continuous flow because the oxygen is not free flowing. Rather, it is delivered based on the persons inherent breathing rate. In other words, intermittent is on-demand.

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    Medicare Coverage Requirements For Oxygen Concentrators

    All durable medical equipment coverage is through your Medicare Part B benefits. Therefore, the first requirement to qualify for DME is to be a Part B beneficiary.

    Oxygen equipment eligibility depends on meeting each of the following criteria:

    • Your doctor certifies that your body does not get enough oxygen
    • Oxygen therapy may improve your health
    • Your arterial blood gas values are within a certain range, which varies depending on the diagnostic method used and your particular condition
    • Alternative measures to treat your condition have failed

    In addition to the above criteria, you must use a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment supplier like Inogen. You can find a supplier on Medicare.gov here. Just enter your zip code and press Go. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information.

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    About Inogen One Oxygen Concentrators

    Inogen Oxygen concentrators are used by people who have difficulty breathing or cannot breathe independently. Oxygen concentrators are useful against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , cystic fibrosis, or neuromuscular disorders.

    Also, supplemental oxygen therapy is given to people who have had surgery, during cancer treatment, or while they are using a respirator.

    Inogen provides some of the most modern portable oxygen concentrators available in the market today. They produce a number of oxygen concentrators. Here is an overview of some of their products.

    Does Medicare Pay For Oxygen

    Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator

    Medicare does not cover the cost of purchasing an oxygen concentrator that said, when you ask, Are portable oxygen concentrators covered by Medicare? the answer is: Sometimes. Medicare may cover oxygen equipment rental costs if you are eligible for Medicare and approved for therapeutic oxygen use. You will need a doctors prescription stating that you need medical oxygen, followed by meeting other certain conditions.

    Answering Are portable oxygen concentrators covered by Medicare? clearly can be difficult. Heres what you should know.

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    How Much Does An Inogen Concentrator Cost

    Inogens portable oxygen concentrators range from $2,651 to $3,586. The final cost will depend on the battery and warranty you select for your portable oxygen concentrator. For example, purchasing the G4 with a double battery and unlimited warranty costs $3,344. If you select the G4 with a single battery and three-year warranty, it costs $2,651.

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