Does Medicare Cover Sleep Apnea Testing?

Medicare does cover sleep apnea testing. The only way to know if you’re at risk for this potentially deadly disorder is to be tested for it.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help pay for sleep apnea testing costs such as Medicare deductibles, copays, coinsurance and more.

Medigap plans can help pay for Medicare costs associated with sleep apnea testing and treatment.

When Does Medicare Pay for Sleep Apnea Tests?

Medicare Part B covers sleep apnea testing when a patient exhibits the signs of the disorder and their doctor orders a test.

Once you’ve met your Medicare Part B deductible (which is $240 per year in 2024), you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a sleep apnea test.

Does Medicare Cover CPAP Machines?

Medicare does cover a sleep study, but it doesn't end there.

If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, Medicare Part B will cover a three-month trial of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

If after three months your doctor determines that the therapy is helping, Medicare may continue to cover the therapy for longer.

After satisfying the Medicare Part B deductible, you would be responsible for 20% of the cost to rent the CPAP machine along with the purchase of accessories such as the mask and tubing.

After renting the machine for 13 months, you then take over ownership. The cost to rent a CPAP machine will vary.

A Medigap Plan Can Help Pay for Sleep Apnea Medicare Costs

The cost of sleep apnea testing and treatment can be lowered even more with the help of a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan.

There are eight standardized Medigap plans that fully cover the cost of the 20% Part B coinsurance payment required for covered sleep apnea testing and CPAP machine treatment.

Learn more about common procedures that Medicare covers.

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and compare the Medigap plans that are available where you live.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.