Severe Sleep Apnea: Does Insurance Help Pay for Rx Adjustable Bed?

[PinballFamily]

I was recently asked and couldn't answer this question: If a doc believes a patient with severe sleep apnea (already with a bi-level/Bi-PAP machine) needs an adjustable bed and writes a prescription for it, does insurance pay or help pay? Or is it just considered a "medical expense" if one itemizes deductions on federal taxes? Thanks to anyone who has experience with this issue! (And yes - it is common knowledge one can just put bricks under the headboard!!!)

 

[TAX GUY]

Or is it just considered a "medical expense" if one itemizes deductions on federal taxes?

Good luck with that one.

Unless you/they can exceed 10% of AGI with ALL medical/dental related expenses (assuming one itemizes to begin with) then there might be a slight benefit.

TO answer your original question, I don't know if insurance will cover or help. I suppose it would depend on the policy and coverage you have.

 

[PinballFamily]

Thanks for your helpful input, TaxGuy!

I know this is kind of an oddball question! Insurance is through a major provider, not Medicare or other public program.

Another "true or not true?" piece of info out there is that one can maybe just not pay the state sales tax on such a bed if it is medically prescribed... No idea if this is truly the case, either! Might vary by state...?

Those endless "Having trouble getting around? Do you need a scooter?" commercials that imply - or downright state - that they are available at little or no cost to the patient, (through insurance?) seem to be a related, yet not identical issue...

Thanks again to anyone who can help -

 

[Happy Snowman]

If your insurance covers it it would be under the durable medical coverage. You would "rent" the bed for so many months and if they can certify that it helps, you then own the bed-just like they do for the CPAP's. With a dr's prescription, it's possible you could use flex spend or HSA money to pay for the bed if your insurance company does not cover the bed. It's worth a call to your insurance company to see how this would be handled and if it is a covered charge with a dr's prescription.

I've been mattress shopping and the adjustable beds are SO comfortable!! The king sized ones you can generally get two different firmness levels too .