Does Medicare cover CPAP machines?
Medicare Part B covers CPAP machines as durable medical equipment for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, starting with a 3-month trial — continued coverage after that depends on documented, compliant use.
What flips the answer
- Covered when
A Medicare-covered sleep study documents obstructive sleep apnea and your doctor writes an order for CPAP therapy.
- Not covered when
After the initial 3-month trial, your doctor doesn't document that the therapy is working and that you're using the machine consistently — Medicare can stop paying for continued therapy at that point.
- Not covered when
You get the machine or supplies from a supplier that isn't enrolled in Medicare.
CPAP therapy falls under Medicare's durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. Part B covers the machine, along with masks, tubing, and other supplies, once a Medicare-covered sleep study documents a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and a doctor writes an order for treatment.
Coverage starts with a 12-week (3-month) trial period. To continue coverage past the trial, your doctor has to document — usually through a follow-up visit and data from the machine itself — that CPAP therapy is actually helping and that you're using it consistently. Medicare can stop paying if that compliant-use documentation isn't there.
CPAP machines are typically covered on a rental basis rather than purchased outright, with ownership transferring to you after a set rental period. Supplies that wear out — masks, cushions, tubing, filters — are covered on their own replacement schedules, separate from the machine itself.
How to actually get it covered
- 1
Get a face-to-face evaluation with your doctor and a Medicare-covered sleep study documenting a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.
- 2
Get your CPAP machine and supplies from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
- 3
Confirm the supplier "accepts assignment," meaning they agree to Medicare's approved amount as full payment.
- 4
Expect the Part B deductible to apply, then 20% coinsurance on the Medicare-approved rental amount — Medicare pays the rest, contingent on the 3-month trial and ongoing compliant-use documentation.
- 5
Use the official supplier directory at medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers to find an enrolled supplier near you.
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