Sleep Apnea (CPAP) and Medicare

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder which may be covered by Medicare. It often results in pauses in breathing while asleep, or even abnormally low breathing. A pause in breathing is called an apnea, which gives this disorder its name. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are several treatment options that you can choose from, and one of them is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device, or the CPAP.

Does Medicare Cover My CPAP?

There are a few different ways you can get Medicare coverage for your CPAP. One way this can happen is if you have an obstructive sleep apnea, which means that you temporarily stop breathing during sleep. You can be diagnosed with an obstructive sleep apnea by participating in an overnight sleep study.

You can get a CPAP covered for up to three months under Medicare. Accessories that must be used with the CPAP can also be covered. The prescription for this treatment must be on file with the device supplier and must be signed by your doctor.
What Kind Of Benefit Is A CPAP?

Your CPAP will be covered by about eighty percent. Because the CPAP is a capped rental property under Medicare coverage, you have the option to purchase your CPAP outright instead if you want.

If you use your CPAP machine for longer than three months, which is often necessary, then you must get your use recertified by your prescribing doctor. Make sure that you follow the required steps or you won’t get to keep your coverage.

Your Diagnosis

Before you can get your CPAP device, you must be diagnosed with sleep apnea. An apnea poses a very serious risk to your health, so you must take this process seriously. For one thing, your quality of sleep undoubtedly suffers from this disorder. Furthermore, your body is being deprived of oxygen for potentially hundreds of moments throughout a night. Don’t wait to get your diagnosis.
Getting Your CPAP Device

Make sure that the company from which you get your CPAP is participating in the Medicare program. A supplier that participates in the Medicare program is actually required to accept the assignment of your CPAP device. The device supplier will be able to bill Medicare directly. Make sure that you find out exactly what kind of supplier your device company is – if the company is only enrolled in Medicare but not officially participating, then they can choose to bill either Medicare or you directly.