
Does Medicare cover a CPAP machine?
Medicare covers some durable medical equipment (DME), including a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, when a doctor prescribes it for home use. Medicare Advantage plans may also cover CPAP therapy. Medicare typically covers CPAP therapy for people who have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea.
Does Medicare cover a 3-month CPAP trial?
That the patient or their caregiver received instruction from the CPAP supplier in the proper use and care of CPAP If you are successful with the 3-month trial of PAP, Medicare may continue coverage if the following criteria are met:
How long does Medicare pay for a PAP rental?
If the 3-month trial is successful (see above) Medicare will continue to cover the PAP device on a rental basis for up to 13 months in total up to the purchase price of the device (learn about the difference between CPAP rental and purchase here ). Will Medicare cover CPAP if I had a machine before I got Medicare?
Does Medicare cover sleep apnea treatment?
Medicare may cover Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy if you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

How often can you get a new CPAP machine under Medicare?
Medicare will usually cover a new CPAP machine every 5 years! This is also how long most manufacturers estimate that a CPAP machine will last, so even if your machine seems to be working, it's a good idea to replace it before it breaks down.
How often does Medicare require a sleep study for CPAP?
Medicare covers CPAP for the treatment of OSA if the beneficiary has an AHI or RDI ≥ 15 events/hour.
What is the Medicare approved amount for a CPAP machine?
How much does a CPAP machine cost with Medicare? If the average CPAP machine costs $850, and Medicare covers 80 percent of it, then you'll have to pay $170; however, you'll also have to account for the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $203 in 2021, meaning your total cost may be up to $373.
How often can you get your CPAP machine replaced?
Your CPAP machine should be replaced after approximately 5 years of use. The good news is, Medicare and most other insurers typically provide coverage for a new CPAP machine around the same time frame.
Will Medicare pay for a second sleep study?
Medicare will approve additional sleep studies as long as there is a face-to-face evaluation with the patient.
How long is a CPAP Prescription good for?
How Long Is My Prescription Valid? If your CPAP prescription mentions a “Life time Need” or says “99 months”, it's valid for as long as you need therapy. If your prescription shows an expiration date, it is valid until the date shown.
How Long Does Medicare pay for CPAP machine?
for 13 monthsfor the machine rental and purchase of related supplies (like masks and tubing). Medicare pays the supplier to rent a CPAP machine for 13 months if you've been using it without interruption. After Medicare makes rental payments for 13 continuous months, you'll own the machine.
Does Medicare Part B pay for CPAP machine?
Original Medicare is made up of parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance). Medicare Part B is the section that pays for durable medical equipment (DME), such as CPAP machines.
Does ResMed accept Medicare?
Do you accept either Medicare or Medicaid? Medicare and Medicaid will pay for medical equipment and supplies only if a supplier has a Medicare or Medicaid supplier number. Expedite, LLC, the operator of the ResMed Shop, does not have a Medicare or Medicaid supplier number.
How do you know when you no longer need a CPAP?
Some of the tell-tale signs of a successful CPAP treatment are below:Your breathing when you sleep is continuous (uninterrupted)You don't find yourself waking up and gasping for air.You don't get headaches in the morning.You feel more rested throughout the day.You can focus on tasks more clearly.More items...•
How often does CPAP cover insurance?
Certain supplies need be replaced anywhere from every two weeks to every six months. Generally, insurance companies will authorize replacement of CPAP masks, tubing and filters every 90 days. Many insurance plans follow the guidelines from Medicare for regular replacement of supplies.
Do you have to use CPAP for life?
Unfortunately, CPAP does not cure sleep apnea. When in use, it simply controls your symptoms by keeping your airway open while you sleep. If you stop using CPAP your airway will once again close and you will experience apneas. For most people with sleep apnea, CPAP is a life-long treatment.
Does Medicare Cover CPAP and Other Pap Therapy For Sleep Apnea?
Yes. Medicare covers a 3-month trial of for CPAP therapy (learn more about CPAP here) if you’ve been diagnosed wtih obstructive sleep apnea (learn...
How Does Medicare Define CPAP Compliance Or Adherence?
Medicare defines adherence as using the device more than 4 hours per night for 70% of nights (that’s 21 nights) during a consecutive 30 day period...
What Is The Rental Term For Pap Therapy?
If the 3-month trial is successful (see above) Medicare will continue to cover the PAP device on a rental basis for up to 13 months in total up to...
Will Medicare Cover CPAP If I had A Machine Before I Got Medicare?
Yes, Medicare may cover rental or a replacement CPAP machine and/or CPAP supplies if you meet certain requirements.
When Does Medicare Cover Bi-Level Or Bipap?
Medicare will cover a bi-level respiratory assist device without backup (this is what they call a bi-level or BiPAP) for patients with obstructive...
What Is Required in The Initial Face-To-Face Clinical Evaluation?
Written entries of the evaluation may include:History 1. Signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing including snoring, daytime sleepiness, ob...
What Information Does Medicare Require on The Prescription For CPAP and Supplies?
1. Beneficiary/patient’s name 2. Treating physician’s name 3. Date of order 4. Detailed description of items (type of device and supplies, pressure...
How Often Does Medicare Cover Replacement Pap Supplies?
Here’s an outline of the Medicare supply replacement schedule. For more detail (including how to tell when your equipment needs to be replaced, che...
How Much Will Medicare Pay For A CPAP Or Other Pap Machine?
Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for a PAP device after you’ve met your Part B deductible (learn about this and other insuranc...
Does Medicare cover CPAP and other PAP therapy for sleep apnea?
Yes. Medicare covers a 3-month trial of for CPAP therapy (learn more about CPAP here) if you’ve been diagnosed wtih obstructive sleep apnea (learn more about OSA here) and meet one of the following criteria:
How does Medicare define CPAP compliance or adherence?
Medicare defines adherence as using the device more than 4 hours per night for 70% of nights (that’s 21 nights) during a consecutive 30 day period any time in the first three months of initial usage.
What is the rental term for PAP therapy?
If the 3-month trial is successful (see above) Medicare will continue to cover the PAP device on a rental basis for up to 13 months in total up to the purchase price of the device (learn about the difference between CPAP rental and purchase here ).
Will Medicare cover CPAP if I had a machine before I got Medicare?
Yes, Medicare may cover rental or a replacement CPAP machine and/or CPAP supplies if you meet certain requirements.
When does Medicare cover bi-level or BiPAP?
Medicare will cover a bi-level respiratory assist device without backup (this is what they call a bi-level or BiPAP) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea if the patient meets the criteria for PAP therapy (outlined above) and:
How often does Medicare cover replacement PAP supplies?
Here’s an outline of the Medicare supply replacement schedule. For more detail (including how to tell when your equipment needs to be replaced, check out this post ).
How much will Medicare pay for a CPAP or other PAP machine?
Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for a PAP device after you’ve met your Part B deductible (learn about this and other insurance terms here ). If you have a secondary insurance, they may pick up the remaining 20% (read our post about how much sleep studies cost here ).
Types of sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea: This condition happens when a person’s airway becomes blocked during sleep. It can occur if the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses and creates a blockage.
Causes of sleep apnea
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the causes of obstructive sleep apnea include:
Symptoms of sleep apnea
According to the NHLBI, the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
What other sleep apnea therapies will Medicare cover?
There are other tests, appliances, treatments, and counseling that Medicare may cover.
Tests
Medicare Part B may cover different types of sleep tests for someone who has symptoms of sleep apnea.
Appliances
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved more than 100 different oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, according to the ASAA. Medicare may cover oral appliances under the DME benefit in Part B, as long as a person’s doctor and the DME supplier are both enrolled in Medicare.
Treatment
A person enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may have coverage for medically approved hypoglossal nerve stimulation for sleep apnea, although they would need to check this with the plan provider.
Medicare Coverage for CPAP Machines
Caitlin McCormack Wrights has over a decade of experience writing hundreds of articles on all things finance. She specializes in insurance, mortgages, and investing and relishes making dull subject matter gripping and everyday topics amazing. Caitlin has a bachelor's from Duke and a master's from Princeton.
When Will Medicare Cover CPAP Machines?
Medicare Part B covers the use of CPAP machines by adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Medicare initially will cover the cost of the CPAP for up to three months if your sleep apnea diagnosis is documented by a sleep study.
How To Get Medicare To Cover a CPAP Machine
Medicare will cover a CPAP machine if you meet two conditions. You must first be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and you must submit your primary doctor’s order or prescription to the right supplier to receive coverage. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to make that happen.
How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost With Medicare?
Medicare typically covers the most basic level of equipment, and it may not pay for upgrades. In the case where Medicare doesn’t cover upgrades or extra features, you’ll need to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) before you get the equipment.
The Bottom Line
The rules of how DMEs are covered, including CPAP machines, are generally the same whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. However, the amount you pay with Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan may often differ. Compare Medicare and Medicare Advantage to learn more.
How often can I get a new CPAP machine while on Medicare?
Once you’ve continuously used your CPAP machine for the approved 13-month rental, you will own it. However, CPAP supplies may lose effectiveness with use, and Medicare covers their replacement. Guidelines suggest replacing a CPAP mask every three months and a non-disposable filter every six months. 4
How do I get CPAP supplies covered by Medicare?
Medicare will only help cover CPAP supplies and accessories if you get them from a Medicare-approved contract supplier after completing the necessary medical steps.
Does Medicare Cover CPAP Machines?
Medicare typically covers CPAP machines if your doctor says it’s medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans may also cover CPAP machines, and some plans offer additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage.
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What coverage does Medicare provide for CPAP machines?
Original Medicare offers coverage for CPAP machines. Original Medicare is made up of parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance).
What specific CPAP equipment and accessories are covered?
If your doctor orders CPAP therapy for you, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost of the following equipment after you’ve met your deductible:
How do I qualify for coverage?
To qualify for Medicare coverage of a CPAP machine, your doctor has to diagnose you with OSA. This often requires a sleep study. Medicare Part B covers the cost of sleep studies as well.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is any condition that causes you to pause in your breathing while you sleep. These pauses can cause a drop in your oxygen level, leading to damaging effects on your brain, energy levels, sleep quality, respiratory system, and a number of other bodily systems.
The takeaway
For people who struggle with sleep apnea, there are several treatment options.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that causes one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
There are several recognized treatments for sleep apnea including lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, machines and surgery.
Medicare & Medigap coverage for CPAP devices
Medicare covers the sleep apnea equipment for a specific period of time.
How Does Medicare Pay for CPAP Machines?
After you are approved for therapy, your doctor will give you a medical prescription for the CPAP machine.
How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost With Medicare?
Medicare will cover the CPAP machine and other accessories in the same way that it covers other qualified durable medical equipment (DME).
Medicare Supplement Plans Can Cover Your Out-of-Pocket CPAP Machine Costs
Depending on the Medicare Supplement insurance plan you choose, you could get full coverage for both the Part B deductible and the 20% Part B coinsurance cost
Does Medicare Cover CPAP Machines?
Let's start with some good news: Yes, Medicare will cover your CPAP machine! Not only that, they’ll cover a regular schedule of replacement supplies– like masks, filters, headgear, etc.!
How Do I Qualify For CPAP Coverage? Medicare CPAP Guidelines
To have Medicare cover your CPAP equipment you’ll have to meet the following guidelines:
Medicare CPAP Supplies Replacement Schedule
With time and use your CPAP equipment will begin to break down, reducing the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy. To keep your treatment both effective and hygienic Medicare will cover replacements for your CPAP supplies according to the following schedule:
Medicare CPAP Coverage
If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, Medicare can provide partial coverage for three-month trial CPAP therapy. In some cases, Medicare can offer long-term coverage, provided a physician affirms that the device and CPAP therapy are making a difference.
Cost of a CPAP Machine with Medicare
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you might receive additional support and coverage for CPAP machines and accessories. Contact your plan to learn more about this potential coverage.
Medigap and CPAP Machines
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplemental Insurance, covers the gaps of Original Medicare and can provide additional coverage related to CPAP therapy.
CPAP Equipment and Medicare Coverage
Before you look into CPAP machines and CPAP therapy, check to see how much you’d have to pay out of pocket and what’s covered by Medicare. We’ve compiled a helpful breakdown of what to except for Medicare coverage of CPAP equipment:
Sleep Apnea and Medicare
Navigating coverage for sleep apnea can be tricky, but luckily, Medicare often picks up a majority of the cost. If you’re diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may qualify for CPAP therapy, including routine accessories for your CPAP machine.