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Online CPAP Stores That Take Insurance
- Online retailers offer a wider selection of CPAP machines and equipment at competitive prices, but in many cases, you’ll have to pay for them up front and ask your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Those enrolled in Medicare must buy through Medicare-approved DME suppliers to receive full coverage. Many online direct-to-consumer CPAP retailers don’t qualify.
- To use insurance online, you’ll need a prescription and your insurance card, and you’ll likely need to send materials including an itemized receipt, insurance codes, and retailer tax ID to your insurance provider.
- Paying out-of-pocket online may be a better option for those with high deductibles, those who want more product options, or those using HSA/FSA funds.
Navigating the world of CPAP machines and accessories can be daunting, especially once you add insurance to the mix. Luckily, there are a few different ways to get the device you need without paying entirely out of pocket — though you might not want to totally discount buying a CPAP without insurance.
Buying online allows you to compare devices, shop sales, and read real customer reviews. However, it can be tricky to determine whether or not a retailer will work with your insurance. We’ll explain how to choose an online seller and what steps to take to get coverage. You can see our recommended suppliers that take insurance for CPAP here.
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Do Online CPAP Stores Accept Insurance?
All legitimate direct-to-consumer online CPAP retailers require a prescription for devices, but very few accept insurance directly. For most private insurance companies, you’ll purchase supplies out of pocket and apply for reimbursement through your insurance provider.
Private insurance providers also typically require that you meet your deductible before they’ll issue reimbursements. For low-deductible plans, this may not be a problem, but those with high deductibles may want to check with their insurance provider to see if their plan offers benefits for certain brands or devices.
Going through private insurance often requires that you rent a machine and adhere to its use to qualify for coverage. Many modern PAP devices send your sleep data directly to your healthcare provider, who can then give it to your insurance company so that they know whether you’re using your device correctly. If you don’t meet compliance guidelines, your insurance provider may refuse to cover your CPAP supplies.
Do Online CPAP Stores Accept Medicare?
Medicare doesn’t allow reimbursement from most online CPAP retailers. To receive coverage, you must purchase through Medicare-approved DME suppliers, some of which offer online shopping. While you may be able to get partial reimbursement when purchasing from non-approved retailers, many don’t file Medicare claims. In these cases, you’ll pay the difference between their price and Medicare’s approved amount.
To qualify for Medicare coverage for CPAP, you’ll need to provide proof of a sleep apnea diagnosis and that you use the device consistently. Once you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare covers 80% of a 13-month CPAP machine rental and certain accessories like masks and tubing. Medicaid also covers CPAP therapy with similar requirements to Medicare.
Which Online CPAP Stores Take Insurance?
Very few online CPAP stores work directly with insurance companies, but most will provide you with invoices designed to comply with insurance reimbursement forms. Like other online direct-to-consumer retailers, CPAP stores claim to provide customers with the best deal by cutting out the middleman. In this case, that middleman is your insurance company.
These medical supply companies have a large array of devices and accessories, allowing you to compare different brands, price points, and types of CPAP machines. They also typically have simple online portals that allow you to easily upload prescriptions.
Though most don’t work directly with insurance companies, you may be able to get reimbursed by your provider if you purchase approved devices and supplies. It’s critical to contact your insurance provider before making a purchase to find out what they’ll approve. Many insurance providers have specific brands and devices that qualify for coverage, while others won’t be approved.
If you’re looking for help navigating the insurance process, CPAPinsurance.com is a great place to start. The site helps you connect with recommended suppliers to get your CPAP machine and supplies and simplifies the process so you can focus on getting the treatment you need.
There are only a handful of CPAP manufacturers. Most only sell to medical device suppliers, though a few offer online shopping. However, if you see a device or accessory on a manufacturer’s website that you like, you can read the list of distributors to see where it’s carried or check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the device you’d like to use.
| Source | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Medical Supplier | Medical suppliers offer CPAP devices and accessories from many manufacturers, which lets you compare and contrast products. However, you’ll likely have to make the purchase yourself and then apply for reimbursement. |
| Manufacturer | Most CPAP manufacturers don’t let you buy a device directly. If you do find a company that allows you to purchase supplies or machines, you should contact your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the purchase. |
| Insurance Provider | The best way to get insurance coverage may be to go directly through your insurance provider. This can take guesswork out of the equation and ensure you get the right device, though going through your provider may restrict which machines you can choose. |
How to Use Insurance to Buy CPAP Supplies Online
If you shop online, you’ll need to do some research to ensure you get coverage. First, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider, regardless of whether you have Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. They’ll explain what kind of coverage you qualify for, whether you need to meet a deductible, and which devices and supplies are covered for reimbursement. They may even be able to recommend DME’s with online shops that are covered.
Otherwise, you’ll need to look closely at retailers’ FAQs and fine print to determine whether or not you’ll get insurance coverage for CPAP or reimbursement, and what, if anything, they’ll do to aid you in the process.
What You’ll Need to Use Insurance Online
It’s best to reach out to your insurance provider before shopping for CPAP equipment online to learn all of the details and requirements for your coverage. Generally, if you’re buying a CPAP machine online and planning to use insurance coverage or ask for reimbursement, you’ll need to gather several documents.
- Prescription: CPAP machines are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as class II medical devices, which means you’ll need a prescription to buy one, regardless of where you’re shopping. Most online retailers offer a simple way to download a photo or scan of your prescription, or a method for your physician to send it to them directly.
- Insurance details: Keep your insurance card with your policy and group numbers handy. If you shop through a retailer that works with insurance, this information will likely be required. Also, some retailers will provide you with a specific reimbursement claim form based on your insurance provider.
- Documentation for reimbursement: In most cases, you’ll be applying for reimbursement from your insurance company after paying for your online purchase. Contact your insurance provider to see what documentation you’ll need for the process. It may include itemized receipts with HCPCS billing codes, purchase dates and retailer tax ID numbers, and proof of prescription.
- Pre-authorization: Some insurance companies require pre-approval. Contact yours before shopping to see if it’s necessary.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Insurance plans generally provide coverage for CPAP machines, provided they’re medically necessary. In order to prove this, you’ll need to undergo a sleep study and get a prescription for the equipment from your medical provider.
Once you receive a prescription, the terms and extent of your coverage will vary, depending on your insurance provider and plan. Some plans, such as Medicare, require that you rent the machine for a defined period before you own it. Often, coverage will depend on meeting a minimum level of compliance with your treatment plan.
Plans may cover additional supplies such as masks, hoses, and filters. Medicare and many private insurers cover replacement parts according to a defined schedule in your policy.
Is It Worth It to Buy a CPAP Machine Out of Pocket?
Some people with sleep apnea find it simpler to forgo insurance and buy a CPAP machine and supplies out of pocket. This isn’t the right choice for everyone, but there are advantages for certain people.
- Those with high deductibles: Many insurance providers don’t cover CPAP therapy until users have hit their deductibles. For some people, this may mean paying up to $10,000 or more before coverage kicks in.
- Shoppers who want product choices: Insurance companies typically don’t let you use whatever device you want, and they only cover certain brands. Those seeking more choices may prefer to skip insurance.
- People who can use FSA or HSA funds: Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending account (FSAs) policies differ by company, but you can usually use your funds for medical expenses, including CPAP supplies.
- Non-compliant users: CPAP therapy is notoriously tricky to get used to, and adherence is often required for insurance coverage. If you want to use a CPAP device but can’t maintain your insurance provider’s requirements, you can buy one on your own so that you don’t have to adhere to perfect use.
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American Academy of Sleep Medicine Sleep Education (2025). Positive Airway Pressure and Your Insurance: What You Should Know.
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