[mcphage]

The fact that their anticipated price is $3/day is absurd. I can't see insurance companies rushing to cover this.

[narwally]

"The costs of untreated sleep apnea reach further than just health issues. It is estimated that in the U.S. the average untreated sleep apnea patient's annual health care costs $1,336 more than an individual without sleep apnea. This may cause $3.4 billion/year in additional medical costs. Whether medical cost savings occur with treatment of sleep apnea remains to be determined."[1]

So if it turns out that this treatment of sleep apnea can offset those increased healthcare costs, I could definitely see insurance companies being interested.

[1] Kapur V, Blough DK, Sandblom RE, Hert R, de Maine JB, Sullivan SD, Psaty BM (September 1999). "The medical cost of undiagnosed sleep apnea". Sleep 22 (6): 749–55. PMID 10505820

[jwynia]

CPAP treatment (and no other substantial changes in my life) brought my blood pressure down from 160/110 down to 118/78. Previous doctors had tried, without success, to lower it with massive beta blockers and other medication. I just needed some damned sleep.

[TylerE]

Insurance for CPAP is actually fairly generous. Mine will pay for a new mask (~$150) every 3 months, and a new machine every year (~$1k).

Have to meet my deductible first of course, but I suspect most insurance would LOVE to be paying only $3/day.

[mcphage]

> Mine will pay for a new mask (~$150) every 3 months, and a new machine every year (~$1k).

Wow... that's some great insurance! I've got decent insurance, but mine will only cover 80% of costs, on a mask every 6 months, and a machine every 5 years.

[TylerE]

Gold level Blue Cross plan via Obamacare. So yea, while not the absolute best it's pretty good.

[TylerE]

Edit: Actually, I was wrong. Machine only every 5 years. They do cover masks/tubing every 3 months though.

[mcphage]

Oh, phew. Still, 100% coverage, and faster masks is better than mine.