Can I Use Medicare for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects more than 18 million people. The sleep disorder causes frequent pauses in breathing while asleep. Over time, the lack of oxygen flow and quality of sleep will cause serious health complications while decreasing your quality of life. To protect your health and enjoyment for life, you need sleep apnea treatment. If you have Medicare, your treatment for sleep apnea may be covered.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often caused by an obstruction. The obstruction causes the airways to narrow or become blocked. As this occurs, pauses in breathing result. The pauses in breathing can occur hundreds of times per night with each pause lasting longer than a minute.

Over time, the lack of oxygen will take a toll on the body. You will experience a wide range of symptoms such as snoring, headaches, decreased productivity, and irritability. However, the complications of untreated sleep apnea extend beyond these areas. You may develop cardiovascular complications. In addition, sleep deprivation is likely to set in, which increases your risk for workplace and auto accidents.

To protect your health and quality of life, you need the appropriate treatment.

Medicare and Oral Appliances

Medicare recognizes oral appliances as an accepted treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, allowing those over the age of 65 and those with certain disabilities to use their insurance for treatment. However, in order for Medicare to cover the appliances, there are strict requirements that must be met. For example, the dentist must apply to become a Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Supplier for the custom oral appliances. Medicare will not cover prefabricated appliances.

Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine offers oral appliances for sleep apnea therapy. The Dorsal Appliance is a popular choice because it can treat chronic snoring and sleep apnea. The two-piece device repositions the jaw while remaining flexible for talking and yawning.

Medicare and CPAP

When an oral appliance is not effective for treating sleep apnea, a CPAP machine will be needed. Medicare has strict requirements regarding the coverage of CPAP machines. Medicare will cover a 3-month trial of the therapy and may cover the treatment longer if the correct documentations are in order. In some cases, you may have to pay out-of-pocket costs, such as the rental of the machine or to purchase supplies.

A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn over the mouth or nose. The air flow keeps the airways open, decreasing pauses in breathing.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

In order for Medicare to cover your sleep apnea treatments, you will need a sleep study using a Medicare-approved device or facility. There will be strict documentation and records of your sleep apnea to ensure Medicare will cover your treatments.

If you are in need of treatment for sleep apnea, we will work with Medicare to ensure you receive the maximum value for your benefits. Contact our office today schedule a consultation. We will work with your insurance to received affordable care.