How to dispute medical equipment rental and return fees
Medical equipment suppliers often rent devices by the month. Over time the rent can pass the price of the machine, and some suppliers bill for devices they say were never returned.
Rent that passes the purchase price
Add up what you have paid for a CPAP, a monitoring unit or similar device. Compare it with what the device costs new. Some plans and programs stop rental payments after a set number of months and ownership passes to you. Ask your supplier and your insurance plan how long rental payments should last for your device.
Charges for a device you returned
If you mailed a unit back with a prepaid label and the supplier says it never arrived, your tracking number is your best proof. Look for the delivery confirmation, the date and where it was delivered. If you handed it in at a location, ask for the receipt. Take a photo of the box and the label before you send anything.
Check what your insurance paid
Ask for the explanation of benefits from your insurer. Make sure you are not being billed for an amount the plan should have covered, and that the supplier is not charging you and the insurer for the same months.
What to put in your letter
- The device, the dates you had it, and your account number.
- The charges you dispute, and the total you have already paid.
- Your proof of return: tracking number, delivery confirmation or receipt.
- What you want: the charge removed and overpayments refunded.
If they say no
Ask for the billing manager, then the company's compliance or patient advocate office. You can also contact your insurance plan and your state's consumer office. This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice.
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