Medicare Part B covers CPAP therapy for people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, but the coverage comes with conditions: a trial period, a requirement to actually use the machine, and a rent-to-own structure. This guide explains how CPAP coverage works and what you will pay. Coverage and costs change, so verify current details before relying on them.
The Short Answer
Yes, partially. Part B covers CPAP as durable medical equipment for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. You pay 20% coinsurance, coverage starts with a trial period, and continuing coverage depends on documentation that you are using the machine and it is helping.
How Medicare Covers CPAP
CPAP is covered under Part B as durable medical equipment for in-home treatment of sleep apnea, usually after a Medicare-covered sleep study confirms the diagnosis. Medicare typically covers a three-month trial of therapy first. After the trial, coverage continues only if you meet in person with your doctor, who documents that the therapy is helping and that you are using it. This use requirement, sometimes called compliance or adherence, is the condition people most often trip over.
The Rent-to-Own Structure
Medicare pays your supplier to rent the machine for 13 months as long as you keep using it. After 13 continuous months of rental payments, you own the machine. Accessories like masks and tubing are covered on a replacement schedule. If you had a CPAP machine before you got Medicare, Medicare may cover a rental or replacement if you meet the requirements.
The Supplier Rule
Both your prescriber and your equipment supplier must be enrolled in Medicare, and it pays to ask whether the supplier accepts assignment before you get the equipment. A supplier that accepts assignment can charge you only the coinsurance and deductible, while one that does not may make you pay the full cost upfront.
What You Will Pay
After the Part B deductible (about $283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the machine rental and supplies, if the supplier accepts assignment. A Medigap policy can cover that 20%. Medicare Advantage plans must cover CPAP too, but often use network suppliers, may require prior authorization, and set their own copays.
What to Do
Get a diagnosis through a sleep study first, confirm both your prescriber and supplier are Medicare-enrolled and accept assignment, use the machine consistently during the trial, and keep your follow-up appointment so coverage continues. Medicareās online supplier directory can help you find an enrolled supplier.
Making Sure Your Coverage Continues
The most common reason CPAP coverage is lost is the use requirement, so it pays to take it seriously in the first few months. Use the machine consistently during the trial period, keep your follow-up appointment, and let your doctor know if the mask is uncomfortable or the pressure feels wrong, since adjustments can be made rather than abandoning therapy. Modern machines record usage automatically, and your supplier and doctor see that data, so consistent use is what keeps the coverage in place.
Replacement Supplies and Medigap
Masks, tubing, and filters wear out and are covered on a replacement schedule, so ask your supplier when you are due for new supplies rather than using worn ones. A Medigap policy can cover the 20% coinsurance on the machine rental and supplies, which adds up over the 13-month rental.
The CPAP Trial and Compliance Rules
Medicare covers CPAP machines for sleep apnea, but with conditions. A trial period applies.
Coverage usually starts with a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea. Then Medicare covers a trial rental period. To keep coverage, you generally must use the machine regularly, which the device reports. Meeting this use requirement keeps your CPAP covered.
Supplies and Replacement
A CPAP machine needs regular supplies. Medicare covers these on a schedule.
Covered supplies include masks, tubing, and filters, replaced at set intervals. Using fresh supplies keeps the therapy effective and hygienic. Under Part B, you pay a share after your deductible. Ask your supplier about the replacement schedule and your costs.
Medicare and CPAP FAQs
Do I have to use the machine a minimum amount?
Yes. Medicare requires documentation that you are using it and that it is helping. Not using it can end coverage.
Do I ever own the machine?
Yes, after 13 continuous months of rental payments.
Are masks and tubing covered?
Yes, as accessories, subject to the 20% coinsurance and replacement schedules.
What if I had my CPAP before Medicare?
Medicare may cover a rental or replacement machine and accessories if you meet the requirements.
Does Medicare cover the sleep study?
Yes. Medicare covers sleep studies used to diagnose sleep apnea.
What happens if I do not use the machine enough?
Coverage can end. Medicare requires documentation that you are using the machine and it is helping, so consistent use during the trial is important.
How often can I get new masks and tubing?
Supplies are covered on a replacement schedule. Ask your supplier when you are due for new ones.
Does Medicare cover a sleep study to diagnose apnea?
Yes. Medicare covers sleep studies used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, which is typically the step that establishes your eligibility for covered CPAP therapy.
Do I have to keep renting, or can I buy the machine outright?
Under Medicare, the supplier rents the machine to you for 13 continuous months of use, after which you own it. There is not a separate upfront purchase option through Medicare.
