Does Insurance Cover Your CPAP Machine?

If you suffer from sleep apnea and use CPAP therapy to help you sleep at night, then you will probably know that the machine and all of the necessary parts for it can be extremely costly.

Your sleep is vital to your overall well-being, therefore investing in it is worthwhile, however, your wallet may not be feeling the same way. Luckily, you may be able to get some or all of the costs of CPAP therapy covered by health insurance or government assistance programs, but it is important to do your research and double-check to see whether this is something that applies to you or not.  

What kind of coverage could I get?

Most provinces in Canada have programs in place that can assist with some or all of the cost of a CPAP device. In Ontario for example, there is a program run by the Ministry of Health called the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) which typically covers 75% of the costs of the CPAP machine and parts. Other provinces may only cover certain CPAP parts while others offer no coverage at all. You may also be eligible for some funding at a national level, such as Veterans Affairs.   

If you have your own health insurance, there are many policies that can cover some or all of the costs of a CPAP device. Be sure to read your policy carefully and/or contact your insurance agent to find out what is covered and what is not.  

What is required?

For any government-funded coverage, you will require a valid health card in your name. Also, you must have a prescription or a doctor’s note stating that you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and require a CPAP device for treatment.

What if I need a part replaced?

CPAP parts do wear out after some time and will need to be replaced, but only within a specific timeframe. Make sure you read into how often you are allowed to replace your parts and still have it covered.

Hold on to ALL receipts from the purchases of any new CPAP parts, even if it’s covered. It will also help to write down the dates that the parts were purchased, that way you can keep track of how long you have had each part and when it is time for them to be replaced. Keeping your CPAP machine and parts clean on a regular basis will help to extend their lifespan as well!

Be sure to visit papsmart.com for your CPAP therapy needs.