Are Autistic Parents Being Over Charged For AAC Devices? Or Am I Missing Something - A Honest Question

My 4-year-old son is 100% nonverbal and has finally started using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device at his autism program. His therapists, who have worked with him for years, say it’s the right time for him to have his own dedicated tablet to speak.

They recommended an iPad with the LAMP Words for Life app and a rugged case. Here is where I’m confused:

• The Clinic's Quote: They told me that after insurance, my out-of-pocket cost would be $8,000.
• If I Buy It Myself Directly From Amazon & the App Store: I looked up the cost myself. The LAMP app is a $300 one-time fee, a base iPad is ~$325, and a high-quality rugged case is ~$60. Total: ~$685.

The clinic also mentioned that insurance only covers a device once every five years and won't replace it if it's damaged during that time. When I showed the staff the App Store prices, they couldn't explain the discrepancy and just said, "That’s what we have to charge."

Am I missing something huge here? Is there a reason to pay an $8,000 "insurance" price for $700 worth of hardware and software? Has anyone else just bypassed insurance and bought the setup themselves? I feel like parents are being taken advantage of after talking to the other place my son goes to they said that $8,000 to $10,000 is what most people are charged. It's just a standard iPad with a case and a $300 program on it.