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Medicare and Sleep Apnea: CPAP Coverage Explained

Infographic showing an 80/20 cost-sharing pie chart alongside medical equipment, Medigap folder, and Part B deductible costs.
After paying the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, you owe 20% coinsurance while Medicare covers the remaining 80%.

02 CPAP Machine Coverage: Costs, Deductibles, and Coinsurance

Medicare classifies CPAP devices and necessary accessories as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B. Once you meet your annual deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you to pay 20%.

In 2026, the annual Medicare Part B deductible is $283. You must pay this deductible out of pocket before Medicare begins sharing equipment costs.

For individuals planning ahead, the Medicare Trustees Report projects that the Part B deductible will rise to $292 in 2027. Official numbers will appear in late fall when CMS releases finalized rates on cms.gov.

You must also maintain your enrollment by paying your monthly Part B premium, which is $202.90 in 2026. CMS projects that the standard Part B premium will increase to $209.50 per month in 2027.

If you carry a private Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, commonly known as Medigap, your supplemental plan usually pays your 20% DME coinsurance. Most standard Medigap plans eliminate your out-of-pocket equipment costs entirely once you meet your deductible.

You must order your CPAP machine from an enrolled medical equipment supplier that accepts Medicare assignment. Suppliers accepting assignment agree to accept the Medicare-approved rate as full payment, protecting you from excess charges.

If a medical supplier refuses assignment, they may charge you fees well above the Medicare-approved limit. You can verify supplier participation beforehand on medicare.gov using their supplier directory.

Medicare Cost Component 2026 Official Amount 2027 Projected Amount Your Financial Responsibility
Part B Annual Deductible $283 $292 You pay 100% until met
Standard Part B Premium $202.90 / month $209.50 / month Paid monthly to Medicare
CPAP Monthly Rental Coinsurance 20% of approved rate 20% of approved rate You pay 20%; Medicare pays 80%
Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap $2,100 / year $2,400 / year Annual maximum for covered Part D drugs

Consider how these rules apply in a real-world scenario. Maria received an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis in early 2026.

Maria had already met her $283 annual Part B deductible through routine specialist appointments earlier in the year. Her Medicare-enrolled supplier charged an approved rental rate of $100 per month for her machine.

Medicare paid $80 each month directly to the supplier, while Maria paid her 20% coinsurance share of $20. Because her supplier accepted assignment, Maria avoided unexpected balance billing throughout her rental period.

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