MIRACLE MACHINE
By Gail K. Kachnycz 22 February 2024
“Save the Date.” You might have received a notice with this message, perhaps to make plans to attend a future wedding. In October 2021, I received a Save the Date notice for my high school reunion, to be held in September 2022. As events unfolded, they would demonstrate God’s faithfulness and perfect timing, and the power of prayer.
The story actually
began months earlier, in July of 2021. My husband Mike had been on hospice for
30 months. Since hospice care is considered when there is a life expectancy of
only six to eight months or less, his case would receive an in-depth audit. We
were advised that he would be discharged from hospice, but that we could appeal
this decision. Hospice staff stated that since his condition continued to
decline, they anticipated the appeal would be granted to reinstate hospice
care.
We were told that
prescriptions and medical supports would continue during the process of appeal.
However, just before the Independence Day weekend, I saw a medical supply truck
pull up in our driveway. When I greeted the driver and asked the purpose of his
visit, he replied that he was here to collect the oxygen equipment.
“Did you confirm
that with the patient?” I asked. The driver said, “No,” and looked confused. I
can’t blame him. When a hospice agency notifies vendors that a patient is
“discharged,” it usually means the client has died. I checked with Mike, who
had received no notice of this plan. I told the driver my husband still had
need of the oxygen equipment, and to be on his way. Because oxygen equipment is designated as
“life-sustaining,” it cannot be removed unless it is replaced with identical
equipment that is fully functional. While at home, Mike used an oxygen
concentrator, a machine about the size of a dehumidifier or a tall kitchen
trash can. He also had a smaller portable unit for use when he was traveling, that
could be carried using a strap over-the-shoulder. The appeal process advanced
through three levels over the course of about ten weeks. By mid-September 2021,
the appeal process ended and Mike’s hospice care was not reinstated. He
retained possession of the oxygen equipment, but without a service agency there
was no maintenance or repair provided. Over the course of a year, the floor
model oxygen concentrator ceased to function. Mike began to use the auxiliary
equipment constantly, rather than just for travel. By September 6, 2022, the
portable unit had also worn out.
Once the third
appeal was denied, Mike’s care transferred to his Primary Care Provider. She
issued a prescription for oxygen equipment for his use. Mike researched several
suppliers and found one online that included equipment maintenance. They were
even willing to extend their Labor Day Discount although it was mid-September
by the time Mike was ready to make the purchase. Mike was planning to purchase
the machines September 14, 2022, when he learned that Medicare was putting a
hold on approvals for two weeks, until September 28. The equipment cost
thousands of dollars, and the reimbursement from Medicare was essential to make
the purchase affordable. Mike had been without supplemental oxygen for over a
week, and waiting another two weeks for the purchase, perhaps longer for the
delivery, was a threat to his health. Our church fellowship had sustained us in
prayer through the appeal process and we turned to them again, asking for
prayer for God to provide in this situation that seemed to have no solution.
I made plans to
attend my high school reunion, set for September 16, 2022. Since the event
would end late, about 11 PM, I arranged to stay at the home of a good friend
also attending the reunion. When I arrived Friday afternoon, Kathy and I caught
up on the news of our families. Uppermost in my mind was Mike’s need for oxygen
equipment. I explained to Kathy the difficulties we were having making the
purchase, especially the freeze on approvals by Medicare. Kathy listened
carefully and then asked, “Would you like to borrow an oxygen concentrator
until you can get your own? I have one in my attic.”
I was
incredulous; who does that? Who keeps an oxygen concentrator in their
attic? I checked with Mike, who was as amazed as I was, and we gratefully
accepted the offer. Kathy explained that she purchased the machine when her own
mother was on hospice care. After her mother passed away, the machine was
stored in her attic for the past four years.
The following day
the oxygen concentrator was loaded into my car. I arrived home by noon, and
within an hour the machine was set up and in use. In addition, Medicare resumed
reimbursement approvals after only one week rather than two, so Mike placed his
order for purchase and had his own equipment by the end of September.
Our experience
demonstrates the power of prayer. When we asked our church fellowship to pray,
things happened! Be open to having God answer in unexpected ways. It is also a
testimony to God’s faithfulness: providing our individual needs.
And finally, trust God’s timing. My “Save the Date” notice arrived the month after the third & final appeal to Medicare for hospice services was denied. God knew exactly how long the oxygen equipment would last and when it would need to be replaced. He knew when I would be with my friend, ten days after the last portable oxygen machine wore out. The oxygen concentrator in the attic was just what we needed, exactly at the time it was needed.
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NASB2020
‘For I know the plans that I have for you’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11 NASB2020
Now unto him that is
able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to
the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus
throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV
