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Need A Little Bit More Air?
Oxygen is the fuel for almost every cell in the body. This becomes even more critical in times of disease or injury. Some conditions can reduce the oxygen supply the body needs to function effectively. As a result, doctors will prescribe supplemental oxygen for at-home use. This added air can make all the difference in a person’s quality of life.
Here’s why you may need an oxygen boost
The lungs can only absorb 20% of pure oxygen, but the body needs 100% of that supply. This full supply must continuously feed cells and tissues for survival. Anyone with a condition reducing oxygen levels to 89% or less needs supplemental oxygen. Prime examples include emphysema, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and heart failure. Using supplemental oxygen, patients can improve the quality of life with better breathing. Oxygen also reduces the oxidative stress on the organs and tissue.
Choosing how to take a breath
A doctor will prescribe the amount and frequency of oxygen needed. This determines what kind of oxygen supply will work best. Some persons need oxygen at crucial periods in the day. Others need a 24-hour supply. Oxygen can come in the form of tanks or backpacks that are portable and need to be refilled often. Other devices filter the surrounding air. Some persons invest in large home oxygen tanks. There are products and services available to suit almost every oxygen need.
When air isn’t free
Whatever the reason, patients need to purchase oxygen from an oxygen company. Over time, those costs rack up. The average oxygen supply price includes the gas, services, cost of electricity, and maintenance. What’s worse, some insurance does not cover oxygen. Many Americans struggle to keep up with these costs. Fortunately, there are some ways both the lungs and the pocketbook can breathe easier.
A couple clicks to cheaper air
Persons using supplemental oxygen need to purchase additional equipment like replacement filters. Buying these supplies directly from the oxygen supplier can get costly. The solution? Purchase the required supplies online. Companies often sell the same supplies online cheaper, since there’s no physical location to raise costs.
Grab some electric help
Persons with at-home oxygen tanks or oxygen concentrators will see a spike in the electric bill. Luckily, the electric company may have provisions to help persons who need to run medical equipment. Speak with the utility company and switch over to a plan that helps with the long-term electricity bill.
Could you claim for air?
Is tax season coming around? Persons using supplemental oxygen can recoup the cost of services on taxes. In some cases, the electricity cost can count as a medical expense. Get help from the electric company and oxygen supplier to calculate the usage of the oxygen equipment.
Time to get covered
Finally, look closely at current medical coverage. Some insurance providers cover supplemental oxygen. Needing assistance can be stressful, and so is paying out of pocket. Shop around for the best coverage, especially if supplemental oxygen will be needed indefinitely.
Air should be accessible and affordable
Luckily, science and medicine have helped patients desperately needing more oxygen. At the same time, the cost has put many patients in danger. Speak with a doctor for help with the right oxygen therapy. Then discuss ways to reduce costs to get the best care possible.
