United Healthcare has announced a change that affects some of its members:

Effective August 1, 2025, certain United Healthcare plans will require some patients to obtain their durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies through a third-party company called Synapse Health. The United press release can be found here.

Let us be very clear:

This change is not the result of any performance issue with O’Neal Medical.

In fact, Synapse approached ONeal Medical about joining their network. And after careful evaluation, we chose not to participate because we believe this arrangement does not serve the patient’s best interests because:

  • it severly limits patient choice

  • it severely limits choices of which BRAND of DME can be used

  • ONeal believes Synapse will purposely limit the amount of refills on supplies, as duly prescribed and per Medicare Rules

For over 20 years, O’Neal Medical has proudly served the Greater Birmingham community and thousands of United Members. Through hurricanes, tornadoes, and even a global pandemic, we’ve remained committed to providing reliable, compassionate, local care—with 24/7 on-call service, real technicians, and a staff that knows patients by name. We’ve sponsored local charities, families, and in return, you’ve supported us.

We sincerely thank you,

The O’Neal Medical – CPAP Plus Team

So what Is Synapse Health?

  • Synapse Health is not a traditional DME provider. They do not warehouse equipment or employ trained delivery staff. Instead, they broker services by sub contracting with outside DME companies to fulfill orders.

What Happens Next?

ONeal Medical CPAP-Plus will:

  • Coordinate pickup of our rental equipment August and September of 2025.

  • Facilitate delivery from the new subcontracted DME provider assigned by Synapse (TBA).

  • Continue to serve patients with the highest standard of care until these transitions are complete.

What if Need Supplies and Service Now?

If you are a current ONeal Medical CPAP Plus customer now and need CPAP masks, filters, tubing, oxygen service, oxygen tubing, or other supplies, please contact us as soon as possible. We are fully able to serve you until July 31st.

What Can Patients Do?

  • Privately purchase their current rental equipment from ONeal Medical

  • Contact Synapse Health directly, their phone number is: 1-888-33-MYDME

  • Change insurance plans to a plan that better supports their DME preferences, including the continued use of ONeal Medical.  We are in-network with:

    • Traditional Medicare

    • United’s PEEHIP plans

    • BCBS Blue Advantage

    • Humana (PPO)

    • Viva Medicare, and Baptist Medicare Me.

To find out what plans are affected:

Check the United Healthcare UCard and look for:

  • Group Number (e.g., 74154)

  • Contract Number (e.g., H1889)

    Using the sample UCard and chart below as a guide. If the Group or Contract number is listed below, then the patient’s plan is affected by this United/Synapse deal.