Free Air Purifier
There is an old expression, “No such thing as a free lunch”. This expression is used to point out that nothing is free. That includes air purifiers. However It is possible to have the cost of an air purifier reimbursed by your health insurance. This is a real possibility for many Americans. Two things need to be in place for this to happen; (1) a prescription usually in the form of an LOMN and (2)an insurance policy that has an HSA or FSA attached to it.
An LOMN (Letter of Medical Necessity) is a document written by your doctor to explain why a specific treatment, equipment, or service is necessary for your health and should be covered by your insurance.
Here’s what a typical LOMN typically includes:
- Patient Information: Name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Healthcare Provider Information: Doctor’s name, specializations, and contact information.
- Dated Signature of the Healthcare Provider: Verifies the authenticity of the document.
- Diagnosis: The patient’s diagnosed illness or condition, relevant medical history, and the expected duration of treatment.
- Recommended Solution and Justification: This section explains the specific treatment (medication, procedure, or equipment) the doctor recommends and clearly details how it directly improves your health and manages your condition.
- Supporting Documents: Medical records, test results, or research studies that support the doctor’s recommendation and further demonstrate the medical necessity of the treatment.
This is just a general overview, and the specific content of an LOMN may vary depending on your situation and your healthcare provider. It’s always recommended to consult with your doctor for accurate and personalized information regarding LOMNs.
How to Get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for an Air Purifier:
- Discuss the possibility of an LMN with your doctor: Explain your medical condition and inquire if an LMN for an air purifier might be beneficial for your situation. Share relevant medical history and information.
- Ask your doctor to issue an LMN: If your doctor agrees, request an LMN that clearly specifies the type of air purifier recommended to manage your specific medical condition.
- Obtain your insurance company’s LMN guidelines and work with your doctor to ensure the LOMN details match their requirements. This might include specific medical information, the type of air purifier recommended, or supporting documents.
- Submit the LOMN to the appropriate contact at your insurance company: Include any supporting documents required by the insurance company.
- Keep a copy of your LOMN and supporting documentation: You may need these for future reference as proof of medical necessity
- this is just a general guide, and the specific process might vary depending on your insurance company and healthcare provider. You should consult with your doctor and directly contact your insurance company for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific requirements for LOMNs for air purifiers.
How do I get a FSA or FHA?
Millions of American families are covered by an FSA. The FSA Store has stated in the past the members win a LOMN (letter of medical necessity) could be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of an air purifier. This is the scenario we see that most often accounts for a sum zero cost air purification product. So, It is possible you already have an FSA.
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Step 1: Contact your HR department.
- Phone call or email inquiry about HSAs and FSAs being offered through your employer-sponsored health plan.
- Ask about specific details if they offer any (contribution limits, deadlines, eligibility requirements).
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Step 2: Review your employer benefits resources.
- Look for information in your employee handbook, benefits website, or enrollment materials.
- If online, search for keywords like “HSA,” “FSA,” “flexible spending account,” or “health savings account.”
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Step 3: Contact your insurance provider.
- If unsure about your employer offering HSAs/FSAs, consider contacting your insurance provider directly.
- However, employer-sponsored plans are the most common source for HSAs and FSAs.
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Exploring the Benefit Marketplace.
- Some Marketplace plans offer HSA or FSA compatibility, but they are not universally available.
- Visit the Marketplace website (https://www.healthcare.gov/) for details and plan options.
- Specific eligibility and plan availability may vary depending on your location and individual circumstances.
- Individuals who are self-employed or not covered by employer benefits may find good options in the Marketplace.
Air Purification Can Make a Huge Difference
We have heard from so many customers how adding an air purifier to their home made a tremendous change in their lives. One gentleman from Rome Wisconsin was suffering badly from COPD. His life existed of trips between his recliner to the bathroom. His doctor was persuaded to prescribe an air purifier to help with this condition.
His wife called us and told us that only a few hours after plugging the LakeAir HEPA air purifier in that he started to rediscover his living room. The next day he was able to join his wife at the breakfast nook for a meal. He added a 2nd unit to his bedroom and within a week he was sleeping in bed again with his wife of 50 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about getting a Free Air Purifier
The general answer to that question is no! Medicaid will only cover the cost of your air purifier if you are ill and it is prescribed by your physician. Physicians are normally unwilling to make these prescriptions, but we have seen it a few times. It is certainly worth a try to ask your doctor to consider you for an exception.
Individuals with respiratory illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis may qualify for assistance programs
Check with your health care providers, they may know of programs to help you; Governmental agencies like state and local health departments. If you are a veteran the VA is a great place to start your search. Non profit organizations that are involved with lung health sometimes help individuals find treatment for breathing related illnesses.
Generally speaking the answer is no. Most often the eligibility is determined by medical need and not income level. Some governmental programs may have an income component but the programs addressed in this article speak solely to medical need and insurance coverage.
To date every air purifier that has been received through LakeAir has been a HEPA Air Purifier. It is nearly universally held that an air cleaning device with a true HEPA filter does the most to improve air quality and therefore the patients quality of life.
Need More Information?
If your are looking for more information about home air purifiers in general we suggest you visit the “Home Air Purifier” web page. If you need help right away we invite you to call customer service (800) 558-9436. You can also reach customer service via email [email protected]