Sleep apnea or CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a serious issue that many today are facing. Those who are suffering from these issues will be happy to know that there is a possibility that Medicare can give them some help. Those who have Medicare and who receive a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea are able to receive a 3-month trial of CPAP therapy. If, after the trial period finishes, the doctor claims the CPAP therapy machine was able to help your condition, there is a possibility that Medicare could actually cover it longer.
What Would It Cost?
Eligible patients will pay 20% of the amount approved by Medicare to rent one of the machines, and for the purchase of additional necessary supplies. It is also important to know that the only way they will cover the machine is if your doctor is enrolled in Medicare. In the event that you rent the machine for more than 13 months – without any interruption – then you will own the machine. If you rent a machine for three months, for example, and then have to switch to a different machine for some reason, then the 13-month rental requirement will actually start over.
Those who had one of these machines before they got Medicare may find that Medicare will cover the rental or replacement of the machine and accessories when needed. You will need to meet certain requirements in order for this to happen though. Additionally, if you already own your machine, then you will need to use a supplier who has a Medicare contract for the supplies you need to replace if you want Medicare to pay the costs.
Those Who Need More Treatment
Something else to consider is that some people who suffer from sleep apnea may need to have additional treatments that the Medicare will not cover. If that’s the case, it means you will likely have to pay for those costs out of pocket. Of course, this depends on the type of plan and any additional coverage you might have. Your doctor will let you know exactly what type and how much therapy you truly need.
It is good to know that those who suffer from sleep apnea and who have to go through treatment have some options through Medicare. It can give them the hope and the help they need, and it could help to pay for a machine that can make life far more bearable.