UPDATE on Ordering Rechargeable Batteries

I last wrote about dealing with my insurance to get rechargeable batteries for Elijah's Freedom CI processors on June 10th. Finally, today, July 15th, I was able to order four rechargeable batteries! It was definitely a process.

1.  I called my insurance company and was told I needed a pre-determination letter from Elijah's doctor for the batteries.
2. I finally got the letter emailed to  me, but it had a mistake in it....it stated that he needed batteries for his N5 processors, so we got that fixed.
3. I faxed the letter to my insurance company.
4. I called to make sure they got the letter, and they had.
5. I called two weeks later, and the purchase of the batteries was approved. However, I waited until the doctor received the letter.
6. My insurance company told me that the doctor had to order the batteries, but the doctor's office said they didn't order supplies.
7. I called the insurance company back and got a different person. This person told me that I could order the batteries, but I should get a prescription from the doctor. He also told me how to file the claim and where to find the claim form online.
8. I finally got my copy of the letter from the insurance company saying they would cover the batteries.
9. I called my doctor on Friday and got the prescription today, July 15th.
10. I ordered the batteries today.

I made sure that I wrote down who I spoke to and on what date I spoke to them, each time I talked to my insurance company. The last associate I spoke with was very helpful. He said that they would cover 80% of the cost of what they allowed for the batteries. Basically, I will get reimburse about $480 of the $850 it will cost to get the batteries. I wish they would cover more, but at least they cover this amount.

I am only going to open one of the batteries when they arrive. My insurance company said they will reimburse me within 30 days and Cochlear says that I can return the batteries within 60 days if they are unopened!

I can't wait for the batteries to come in so he can swim with his CI processor. I will write about that next!