Editor’s Note

Lots of changes are in the air besides the color of the trees! My husband Mark is retiring and we will have big news about a new addition to our family soon. Change can be welcomed or dreaded, anticipated or

unexpected, shocking or soothing, depressing or joyful and life changing. Adapting to change in our lives can take some effort. After we have grieved for a loss in our lives – losing a job, a loved one, the ability to participate in strenuous activities– it is time to adapt. Going through the stages of Disbelief, Anger, Negotiation, and Depression can be hard until we reach the Acceptance stage.

Elaine H. from South Carolina got notice of a change from her oxygen supplier. Elaine has had weekly delivery of liquid oxygen for years which allows her to maintain her active lifestyle. Her home care company informed her that she would now be paying a fee of $170 per

week to have the liquid oxygen delivered. That is a big change to adapt to! She has the choice to accept this change and pay the exorbitant fee, change to a less convenient method of oxygen delivery that appears to be the company’s goal or fight against the charge.

Just in case you find yourself in the same situation and want your opinion known, you might first make your physician aware of what is happening. If your doctor has written a

prescription for you to have a specific type of oxygen therapy that is not being delivered, this should be reported. If you are not on Medicare but have a private type of insurance, contact their customer service department and ask what can be done about the

 

situation. If you are on Medicare, you may file a Medicare complaint directly by calling 1-800-633-4227. You will be put in contact with the Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman. You may also file a complaint online at ww.medicare.gov, click on “Claims & Appeals” to get arted.

change is constant – hope you will be able to adapt! ppy Autumn!