How can I get oxygen?

[Rachael R]

I was recently diagnosed with Cluster Migraines (finally after years of suffering!) and discovered that oxygen is almost miraculous in it's effectiveness. But now my PCP says that there is no possible way for me to get it. What are my options?

More info: I just got married and moved to a new state. I have my old insurance which is only catastrophic or self-pay but often offers discounts. I also just switched into Medicaid with a managed care plan.

Is there a way to get oxygen without going through insurance/Medicaid? Are there other devices beside a high-flow oxygen tank which requires a prescription? 

Have you found other things that work similarly/as well?

[CHfather]

Lots of people do it this way -- no prescription required: https://clusterbusters.org/forums/topic/5627-notes-about-welding-o2/

Your PCP is probably wrong . . . For a long time, Medicaid didn't cover O2 for cluster headaches, but now it does, or at least it can.  This is a little complicated -- regional Medicare/Medicaid centers are allowed to determine whether or not O2 is covered for CH in their regions.  And of course, you'd need a prescription.  Welding O2, as discussed in that link, works fine, with no prescription needed.

Since you are new to CH (we don't actually think there is such a thing as "cluster migraines," except maybe for a very, very small percentage of people), you might look at this file: https://clusterbusters.org/forums/topic/6213-basic-non-busting-information/

 

[kat_92]

Hi Rachel! 
Your PCP is absolutely wrong. What they probably mean is that it’s very hard to get insurance to cover it. They can very easily write a script and fax it over to a medical supply facility. You may just need to be a self pay patient. That’s how I do it. 

[FunTimes]

if you can get the prescription you can call all the oxygen supply houses in your area and tell them you have no insurance and will self pay. It turned out to cost me less money doing it this way. you do not need anything other that the full tanks from them as you will want to buy your own high flow regulators online and a cluster mask that allows more 02 intake and no outside air. 

[jon019]

52 minutes ago, kat_92 said:

You may just need to be a self pay patient. That’s how I do it. 

....yup, same for me over the years about half the time because some insurance providers covered and some didn't. some O2 shops are stubborn about this and you may need to shop around....go talk to them in person so you are a face and not a phone call. funny (not ha ha) turned out that self pay or ins copay was exact same $ out of pocket. still, there are advantages to being covered, as it means your diagnosis is more recognized in the system (insurance and O2 shops) and that could be important down the line. i'd start out self pay then work toward coverage. an advocate doc (find a headache specialist if at all possible) in the process can be critical, as a "letter of medical necessity" can (and did for me) change denials. and always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS APPEAL any denial from an insurance  company...always seemed to me that the first denial was automatic and they were hoping you would just go away... DON'T.  and besides the doctors note, provide any documentation of medical lit/research supporting your claim (e.g. oxygen along with triptans is medically recognized as THE primary abortives(s) for CH).... and  besides, O2 is WAY cheaper than triptans, w/o the rebounds and nasty side effects......