"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
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.
> 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.
