New Year, New FSA Balance

[kevin_standlee]

I've been needing supplies for my CPAP machine for a while now. I was stretching out the last few disposable filters, and I was down to one washable one that should have been replaced months ago. Unfortunately, I'd used up the balance of my Flexible Spending Account, so I needed to wait until the first of the year when it reset (with more money in it this year than last) in order to take advantage of it. So this afternoon things calmed down at work sufficiently for me to go get the supplies. While I was at it, I took advantage of a sale offer from the supply vendor to buy a complete replacement headgear. I think you're supposed to replace the mask and tubing at least once a year, and I've never replaced mine, ever, and I've had the machine for several years. Ditto with the hose. Although those last items appear sound, I figured I could replace them and use the old stuff as spares should anything break.

Right after I submitted the order, however, I remembered that I'd meant to also buy the DC power connector for my machine. Had I had that with me when the power went out in Mehama during the storm, I could have run the CPAP off of the trailer's batteries; there are standard 12V sockets throughout the trailer. I've e-mailed their customer support to see if there's a way to piggyback the DC cord onto the existing order without paying additional shipping.

Meanwhile, time to get myself together and get up to The City with Cheryl for dinner with danjite and khaybee.

Comments

[trinsf.livejournal.com]

I admit to being a bit peeved just now with the BASFA folks. *grumble* It's not you personally, just fyi.

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. Well, I'm glad I didn't do anything bad in particular.

[crookedfeet.livejournal.com]

You should replace the mask-after a certain point, the fit gets less and less effective.

[jeff-morris.livejournal.com]

I need to have a little talk with United about "you're entitled to a new mask after six months" not meaning "pay up, sucker"....

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

I'm assuming that if my insurance covers it, it will simply be eaten up by the deductible, which is why I had to wait for the first of the year, so I can charge it to my FSA and not be out of pocket.

[jeff-morris.livejournal.com]

Yup, same here. I had a feeling that my service provider wasn't quite right, but a spare mask is always a good thing to have.

Of course, it took me three calls to United to confirm this...I think I got off relatively easy.

[bindyree.livejournal.com]

Don't forget at least two extra clips. If those go, the whole show stops. :-)

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

I actually bought an entire headpiece assembly (mask, headgear, clips, hoses, etc.), so all of the workable-but-old parts of the current headpiece will be the spares.

I know about running without spare clips because I ended up losing one on a business trip last year and had to buy replacements and pay for rush shipping. :(

[wild-patience.livejournal.com]

I get replacements when I see the plastic on the mask starting to discolor. That's about every year or a little longer. I like having two usable ones at a time so I don't have to worry about how long it takes to dry after washing it.