Oxygen patient Lloyd Lea of Fridley can breathe easier this week, now that a new supplier has taken over the servicing of his air equipment. On Sunday, Whistleblower reported how Lea was among a number of lung patients left in the lurch after their oxygen provider, Healthworks Home Medical, suddenly went out of business.
Many former Healthworks patients have had trouble finding new oxygen suppliers because of complications switching providers in the middle of contracts. But Medicare has said no patients will be left behind.
Even though the details of its agreement with Medicare are unsettled, Merwin Home Medical of New Hope confirmed this week that it has taken over Lea's service.
UPDATE: The American Lung Association in MInnesota has also heard from Medicare patients affected by the disappearance of Healthworks Home Medical. On Wednesday, the association put out this news release:
