Ask the Medicare Expert

Does Medicare cover CPAP devices?

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (and that may require a sleep study), Medicare may cover a three-month trial of therapy with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device.

If the therapy is documented help you, Medicare will pay the CPAP device supplier for your rental of the device for 13 months. After that, you'll own the machine.

However, you may have to pay 20 percent of the CPAP machine rental and supply purchases. If you have a Medigap plan, your share should be covered.

Medicare Advantage plans often cover CPAP therapy, too. Check with your plan.

Medicare Part B also covers 80 percent of the cost of CPAP supplies on a schedule that varies depending on the item. Replacement supplies (tubing, filters, headgear, mask) are covered about once every three to six months.