CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are a vital treatment method when it comes to mitigating the effects of sleep apnea. It works by continuously sending air through your throat so that your airway stays open and unobstructed while you sleep. This process counteracts the pauses in breath that occur during sleep in patients with sleep apnea.
CPAP machines are one of the most common ways to treat sleep apnea. While this therapy may be uncomfortable for you to get used to at first, it can help you to lead a much healthier and restful life. If you have been diagnosed with this illness, or suspect you may be suffering from it, then you may be wondering how you can get this effective treatment method.
Is a CPAP covered by insurance?
Keep reading to learn all the rules surrounding CPAP machines, prescriptions, insurance, and more.
The answer to this question is a little complicated. The short answer? Not exactly. The FDA requires patients to obtain a prescription to purchase a full CPAP machine. However, the FDA does not require a prescription to buy CPAP supplies .
Some suppliers have circumvented this discrepancy by offering parts of a CPAP machine separately. This process allows them to provide CPAP equipment to consumers who do not have a prescription. A few of these suppliers have completely reorganized their business models so that they do not even offer any CPAP equipment that requires a prescription anymore. The equipment these companies sell to those cpap machine without prescription does not differ in quality from supplies that do call for a prescription.
Assembly for masks purchased in this manner is usually quite simple. If you follow the instructions, you should have no trouble, but you could always contact the customer service team.
Is Ordering a CPAP Machine Without a Prescription Legal?
Technically, ordering a full CPAP machine without a prescription is not legal. However, if were to purchase necessary components, packaged separately, then it is considered CPAP accessories, and it is permissible to buy. For example, you could easily buy a CPAP mask from a retailer online, but you would not be able to buy the full machine.
The FDA only requires a prescription because it designates CPAPs as Class II medical devices that pose some risk to the user. Even though there is risk involved, as there is with most things in life, that does not mean that these machines are inherently dangerous.
What Are the Benefits of Buying CPAP Equipment Without a Prescription?
Getting your CPAP supplies without a prescription can save you both time and money. Not having to get a prescription means one less trip to the doctor’s office. Also, without a prescription, you have more options when buying and can select a less expensive choice.
FAQ's
Keep reading to learn all about CPAPs and insurance so that you can make the best decision for your situation.
Does Insurance Cover CPAP?
Unfortunately, insurance is a whole different beast compared to prescriptions. There are many different policies and rules that you need to understand before you can get a CPAP machine through your insurance. The stringent requirements have driven many patients to just pay for the devices out of pocket. It must also be noted that using a cpap cleaner can void your warranty if you don’t select a suitable product for your specific machine.
The question does insurance cover cpap is not that straightforward…. insurance companies partially cover CPAP machines. Coverage for CPAPs can differ greatly compared to other medically necessary treatments. Many insurance companies will require patients to enter into a rental agreement that the company only partially subsidizes.
For those who are on very tight budgets, going through insurance can help the monthly payments to be lower. However, the largest problem is that, even with insurance, most people will rent and pay more for the device than they would have if they had just purchased it outright.
How Much is a CPAP Machine with Insurance?
The amount you will have to pay to use a CPAP device through your insurance varies by policy, but generally takes the form of copays and deductibles. There are very few, if any, insurance policies that will fully cover the cost of a CPAP device.
You must also be aware that many insurance companies require proof of usage, or they will terminate your rental agreement. Some companies make users give them access to data collected by the machine nightly to determine if it you are using it as agreed. If your usage does not match up to the insurance company’s expectations, then they may take back the machine.
Additionally, sharing this data makes many patients uncomfortable because they deem it as an invasion of privacy. If you want your machine to be yours and to keep your privacy intact, then you may have to purchase your CPAP yourself.
How Much is a CPAP Machine without Insurance?
The full cost of CPAP machines can range from $500 to $3000. The average price tends to hover right at about $850. However, some suppliers may provide payment plans to make the cost less burdensome outright.
Even though these prices may look steep, they are often lower than insurance-mandated prices. Without insurance regulations, consumers have more options, and suppliers must be competitive to ensure sales. Additionally, rental rates can add up over time to exceed these prices, even if the monthly rate is more doable.
Does Insurance Pay for a Second CPAP Machine?
Most insurance companies will not cover a second CPAP machine because they follow strict replacement schedules. They will only supply replacement parts after a certain amount of time or if you demonstrate a certain amount of need. However, many people consider buying a second machine for travel, emergency, and sanitary reasons.
Many patients have found that having a second machine strictly for travel, or in the case of a malfunction, helps them to use the device more regularly. Regular usage keeps their condition in check more thoroughly. If you are interested in owning a second CPAP device, you will almost certainly need to pay for it out of pocket.
Does Medicaid Cover CPAP?
Medicaid will cover CPAP, but the amount of coverage varies by state, and it requires authorization. Deductibles and copays will almost definitely apply unless you also have secondary insurance. It is also important to note that CPAP supplies are covered differently than the machine itself and may have different standard rates.
