Free CPAP tool
CPAP Cash vs Insurance Cost Calculator
Under Original Medicare a CPAP is rented for 13 months of continuous use, then you own it. Enter a cash quote, the monthly allowed rental amount on your supplier's estimate, your remaining deductible and your coinsurance, and see what each route costs you over the rental period.
Formula
Total allowed = monthly allowed amount x rental months. You pay the deductible first, up to the total allowed. Coinsurance = (total allowed minus deductible paid) x coinsurance %. Insurance total = deductible paid + coinsurance. The last output is the cash price minus that total.
Defaults: 13 months is the period Medicare pays for a CPAP base device before you own it. The $283 deductible is the 2026 Original Medicare Part B deductible from CMS, and 20% is Part B coinsurance for equipment from a supplier that accepts assignment. The cash price and monthly allowed amount are placeholders; get both from your supplier and plan.
Worked example
Cash quote 900. Allowed rental 60 a month x 13 = 780. Deductible paid = the smaller of 283 and 780 = 283. Coinsurance = (780 minus 283) x 20 / 100 = 99.40. Insurance total = 283 + 99.40 = 382.40. Cash minus insurance = 900 minus 382.40 = 517.60, so in this example insurance costs 517.60 less.
Assumptions and limits
- The whole deductible is applied to the rental, as if you had no other Part B claims this year; if you have already met it, enter 0.
- If the rental crosses into a new calendar year, a new deductible may apply; this calculator does not split years.
- Private plans may rent for 10 months, buy outright, or use different cost-sharing; enter your plan's numbers.
- Insurance usually requires you to meet usage rules during the trial; missing them can end coverage.
- Masks and supplies are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Medicare rent a CPAP machine before I own it?
Medicare pays for 13 months of continuous use of the CPAP base device, after which it is yours. You pay the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance on the allowed amount if the supplier accepts assignment.
Is it cheaper to buy a CPAP with cash?
Sometimes, especially with a high deductible plan where you would pay most of the rental yourself. Run your real numbers here. Remember a cash purchase still needs a prescription.
What is the Medicare Part B deductible in 2026?
CMS set the 2026 Part B deductible at $283, up from $257 in 2025. After it, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error