Yes — Medicare Part B covers CPAP machines and supplies when a doctor prescribes them after a qualifying sleep study. Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost after your Part B deductible, and you rent the machine for 13 months before Medicare considers it purchased. Here is exactly how coverage works.
How to Qualify for Medicare CPAP Coverage
To get a CPAP covered by Medicare, you must meet specific clinical criteria:
- Your doctor orders a covered sleep study — either in a sleep lab (polysomnography) or a home sleep test
- The sleep study diagnoses obstructive sleep apnea with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of at least 15 events per hour, OR at least 5 events per hour with documented symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, insomnia, or hypertension)
- Your doctor writes a prescription for a CPAP machine
- You obtain the machine from a Medicare-enrolled supplier
You must get your CPAP from a Medicare-enrolled durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. If you go to a supplier that doesn't accept Medicare assignment, you may pay the full cost. Search Medicare.gov for enrolled suppliers in your area.
What You Pay for a CPAP With Medicare
Medicare Part B covers CPAP machines as durable medical equipment under a rental model:
- Months 1–13: You rent the machine. Medicare pays 80% of the monthly rental fee; you pay 20% plus any remaining Part B deductible
- After 13 months: Medicare considers the machine purchased — no more rental payments. You own it
- With Medigap Plan G: Your 20% coinsurance is covered, leaving you with $0 out of pocket after the Part B deductible
- With Medicare Advantage: Cost-sharing varies by plan — check your specific plan's DME benefit
Ongoing CPAP Supplies Medicare Covers
Medicare continues to cover CPAP supplies after you own the machine, on a recurring schedule:
- Mask cushions/pillows: Up to 2 per month
- Full mask frame: Every 3 months
- Tubing: Every 3 months
- Filters (disposable): 2 per month
- Filters (non-disposable): Every 6 months
- Humidifier chamber: Every 6 months
- Headgear and chin strap: Every 6 months
The 90-Day Compliance Requirement
This is the most important thing most people don't know: Medicare requires proof that you are actually using your CPAP before it continues coverage after the first 90 days.
Between days 31 and 91 of your rental, your doctor must document that you have used the CPAP for at least 4 hours per night on 70% of nights during a consecutive 30-day period. If you do not meet this compliance threshold, Medicare will stop paying for the rental.
Most modern CPAP machines have a built-in data card that tracks usage automatically. Your doctor or supplier will review this data at your follow-up appointment.
Why Sleep Apnea Treatment Matters for Seniors
Beyond snoring and daytime fatigue, untreated sleep apnea in seniors carries serious health consequences. Each apnea event causes a sudden drop in blood oxygen — stressing the cardiovascular system. Over years, this leads to significantly elevated risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, Type 2 diabetes, and — critically for seniors — dementia and cognitive decline.
A growing body of research shows that treating sleep apnea with CPAP in seniors reduces cardiovascular events, stabilizes blood pressure, and may slow the progression of cognitive impairment. The investment in a sleep study and CPAP treatment is one of the highest-value health interventions available to seniors with this condition.
- If you or your partner snores loudly, ask your doctor about a sleep study — Medicare covers it
- Symptoms to report: loud snoring, waking with headaches, unexplained daytime fatigue, observed pauses in breathing
- Use a Medicare-enrolled supplier for your CPAP machine
- Meet the 4-hours/night for 70% of nights compliance requirement in the first 90 days
- Schedule a follow-up appointment at day 31–91 to document compliance
- Reorder supplies on Medicare's schedule — don't wait until they wear out
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover a CPAP machine?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers CPAP machines and supplies when prescribed by a doctor after a qualifying sleep study. Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost after the Part B deductible. You typically rent the machine for 13 months before Medicare considers it purchased.
How do I get a CPAP through Medicare?
Your doctor orders a sleep study, which Medicare covers. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, your doctor writes a prescription for a CPAP. You obtain the machine from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Medicare pays 80% after your deductible; Medigap or supplemental insurance covers the remaining 20%.
How much does a CPAP cost with Medicare?
With Medicare Part B, you pay 20% of the approved amount after the annual deductible ($257 in 2026). On a typical CPAP rental of $50–$80 per month, your share is $10–$16 per month. After 13 continuous months of rental, Medicare considers the machine purchased with no further rental payments.
Does Medicare cover CPAP supplies?
Yes — Medicare covers ongoing CPAP supplies including masks, tubing, filters, and humidifier chambers. These are covered every 1–6 months depending on the item, subject to the same 80/20 cost-sharing. You must use a Medicare-enrolled CPAP supplier.
Can untreated sleep apnea cause dementia?
Yes — untreated sleep apnea significantly increases dementia risk. During sleep apnea episodes, the brain is repeatedly deprived of oxygen, damaging brain tissue over time. Research shows seniors with untreated sleep apnea have measurably higher rates of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.