Frequently Asked Questions:
Will my insurance pay for CPAP/BIPAP?
CPAP is covered under a benefit called Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Most insurance companies provide a DME benefit, but often the deductible for the calendar year must be met before the insurance will pay. Your insurance company or CPAP supplier (DME) should be able to provide this information for you.
When will I own my CPAP?
Most insurance companies require a rental period which is usually 1 to 13 months long before the machine is considered purchased. Also, your machine contains a card/chip which monitors your CPAP usage and the effectiveness of your therapy. Your insurance company uses this information to determine whether or not to pay for your CPAP machine. Compliance is generally considered to be at least 4 hours per night, at least 70% of nights in a 30 day period. Most insurers will give you 90 days in which to achieve this goal.
Can I choose my DME company?
Yes, BUT – some insurance companies have contracts with DME companies. If you got out of the network, you may have financial consequences such as higher co-pays and deductibles.
How often can I get new supplies?
• Filers, mask cushions/nasal pillows – two items every 30 days.
• Masks and tubing – every 3 months.
• Headgear, humidifier reservoirs, chinstraps – every 6 months.
Does my CPAP have a warranty?
Most CPAPs have a 2-year warranty; most BIPAPs are one year.
When am I eligible for a new CPAP?
CPAPs can be replaced no sooner than 5 years from set-up with insurance companies. New units will be provided for those moving from one type of therapy to another (CPAP to BIPAP). A non-functioning, non-repairable unit may also be replaced. Most insurers will NOT reimburse for a new CPAP because of new features, new technology, or decreased noise level unless it has been over 5 years from the last set-up. Simply having a physician’s order for new equipment does not ensure that your insurance company will pay for it.
CPAP Equipment Cleaning:
If the mask is completely clean, it will seal better. Wash the masks every few days with a few drops of dish detergent such as Dawn. Be sure to rinse completely. Use hot, soapy water to clean the water reservoir and tubing. Using distilled water in your humidifier cuts down on the cleaning. Open the reservoir and air dry them frequently. Remember – dark, moist environments grow things you would probably not want to breathe! Equipment should be washed at least once or twice a week. Don’t forget to wash the washable filters weekly and change the disposable filters monthly. Breathing through a dirty filter is worse than using no filter!
*Other DME options are available, but these are the most commonly used
A Turning Leaf A Turning Leaf A Turning Leaf
75 East Oak St Mission St Se, Ste. 100 947 Geary St.
Lebanon, Or. 97355 Salem, Or. 97302 Albany, Or. 97322
(541) 570-1868 (503) 689-1597 (541) 286-4279
Samaritan Medical Equip Samaritan Medical Equip Samaritan Medical Equip
777 NW 9th St., Ste #200 325 Industrial Way 121 NE Harney St.
Corvallis, Or. 97330 Lebanon, Or. 97355 Newport, Or. 97365
(541) 768-7500 (541) 451-6364 (541) 574-7200
Apria Apria Lincare
2050 Vista Ave. SE #100 4739 Main St., Ste. 5&6 1110 S Commercial Way
Salem, Or. 97302 Springfield, Or. 97478 Albany, Or. 97322
(503) 480-1100 (503) 747-2300 (541) 928-0333
Norco Norco Synergy
2685 Commercial St Ne 1280 Charnelton St. Respiratory Care
Salem, Or. 97301 Eugene, Or. 97401 1113 9th St.
(503) 763-6242 (541) 684-4378 Albany, Or. 97321
(541) 791-7724
Providence PneuMed
2508 Pringle Rd SE 3475 E Amazon Dr.
Salem, Or. 97302 Eugene, Or. 97405
(503) 585-4027 (541)485-2704
