Does Medical Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Getting a quality night of sleep is essential for you to thrive. However, if you have sleep apnea, this can get in the way of your ability to sleep soundly, leading to various other serious health effects. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea or you have been recently diagnosed, one of the first questions you’re probably asking yourself is if your medical benefits will help to fund your treatment. Read on to learn more about how this works.

 Does Medical Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Testing?

If you think that you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to seek a diagnosis so you can get treatment. This means that you will need to undergo a sleep study. The good news is that sleep studies are usually covered by medical insurance if they are deemed medically necessary. That being said, it is always ideal to confirm this with your insurance provider ahead of time so that you don’t run into any surprises.

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

For many decades, CPAP therapy has been the gold standard when it comes to sleep apnea treatment. It is still the most prescribed method today. While CPAP is great for many people, others find this approach uncomfortable. The good news is that if CPAP doesn’t sound like the right method for you, or it doesn’t provide the relief you need on its own, oral appliances are a more conservative solution. An oral appliance is worn during the night to shift the lower jaw forward, therefore preventing the airway from becoming blocked and cutting off breathing as you sleep.

Are Oral Appliances Covered by Medical Insurance?

In the majority of cases, medical insurance plans cover the cost of an oral appliance. Even though they are provided by dentists, oral appliances are intended to treat a medical condition, so they aren’t included in dental insurance. However, it is always best to confirm your coverage with your medical insurance provider ahead of time. If you need help understanding your medical insurance plan and how it works, your friendly dental team will be able to help.

Medical insurance may cover different aspects of your appointments and equipment needed to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. If you are worried about the cost of your treatment, let the team know. They will be able to inform you about your options to help you get the sleep you need without breaking the bank.

About the Author

 Dr. Deborah A. Romack earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating with honors. Since then, she has completed numerous continuing education courses regarding airway obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and upper airway resistance syndrome. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.