Medicare Coverage for Oral Appliance Therapy
Yes, Medicare covers oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. The device is classified as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B. Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, costs, and the process.
The Bottom Line
Medicare Part B covers oral appliance therapy at 80% of the approved amount after your Part B deductible is met. Your typical out-of-pocket cost is the 20% coinsurance — often $200-$500. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, your coinsurance may be partially or fully covered, reducing your cost to $0.
How Medicare Covers Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is billed under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment (DME). This is the same category that covers CPAP machines, wheelchairs, and other medical devices prescribed by a physician.
Medicare Requirements for Coverage
To qualify for Medicare coverage of oral appliance therapy, the following requirements must be met:
Important: Not all dental practices are enrolled as Medicare DME suppliers. Our providers are Medicare-enrolled and handle all billing and pre-authorization on your behalf.
Step-by-Step: Getting OAT Through Medicare
Free Medicare Verification
Call us and we verify your Medicare benefits, including whether you have a Medigap supplement that covers the 20% coinsurance. We tell you exactly what you will pay before treatment begins.
Sleep Study & Physician Referral
If you do not already have a sleep study, we can arrange a home sleep test. Your physician writes the prescription for an oral appliance. If CPAP was tried and failed, we document this for your file.
Pre-Authorization
We submit your sleep study results, physician prescription, and clinical documentation to Medicare. Most authorizations are processed within 5-10 business days.
Custom Fitting
Once approved, we take digital scans of your teeth and fabricate your custom oral appliance. The fitting appointment takes about 30 minutes.
Follow-Up & Adjustment
We schedule follow-up visits to adjust the appliance for optimal comfort and effectiveness. A follow-up sleep study verifies the device is working. All follow-up visits are covered under your original authorization.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans — such as those offered by UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and others — must cover everything that Original Medicare covers, including oral appliance therapy. However, the specifics of copays, coinsurance, and network requirements vary by plan.
Some Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization, referrals from your primary care physician, or use of in-network providers. We are experienced in working with all major Medicare Advantage plans and will verify your specific plan requirements before treatment begins.
What Will I Pay Out of Pocket?
With Medigap Plan F/G
Supplement covers the 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible
Original Medicare only
20% coinsurance after the annual Part B deductible is met
Medicare Advantage
Depends on your plan's copay and coinsurance structure
Free Medicare Verification
Call us to verify your Medicare coverage in 24-48 hours. We will tell you exactly what your plan covers and what you will pay — before any treatment begins.