While some claim that domestic air purifiers work wonders, others say they are ineffective and even dangerous. Does health insurance cover the cost of a home air purifier? Why or why not?
The Medical Controversy About Air Purifiers
There are more types of air purifiers available on the market than we can keep track of. You’ll find ozone generators, air ionizers, UV air purifiers, HEPA filters, and many others in stores and online. Manufacturers produce these domestic gadgets because they work, right? Not necessarily.
According to insurance agencies, the effectiveness of most types of air purifiers is questionable and unproven. The manufacturers are the loudest supporters of home air purification systems. We know that HEPA filters remove small particles from the air, but the short and long-term health effects of having one in the home are unclear. Some report improvement and others claim little or no change.
This is why medical experts don’t recommend air purifiers for people with allergies and Asthma. It’s interesting though. Both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association have made statements in favor of air filtration for people with allergies and Asthma. They do state that other solutions may be necessary. Air purifiers are your third line of defense.
Obviously reducing allergens and pollution and regular, thorough indoor ventilation is more helpful than air purifiers. For those of us with allergies though, we know this usually isn’t enough.
Some Asthma and allergy sufferers claim that their symptoms improve when using an air purifier. Air cleaning devices should be used along with other forms of relief rather than alone. This is why it can be difficult to convince insurance companies to cover the cost of air purifiers. That, and since when do insurance companies like to give away money. Don’t lose hope, there is a chance.
Is the Cost of an Air Purifier Covered by Health Insurance?
As we have discussed, air purifiers are controversial in medical and scientific communities. This explains why doctors rarely prescribe air purifiers, unlike humidifiers and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, which are considered “durable medical equipment” (DME) by the FDA.
The short answer is: No, air purifiers are not usually covered by health insurance. But, there are a few reasons your health insurance provider may consider covering an air purifier.
Qualifying for Reimbursement with a LOMN
About 55 million Americans are covered by employer-based Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs.) According to FSA Store, consumers covered with FSAs or HSAs who have a letter of medical necessity (LOMN) may be eligible for reimbursement for air purifiers. A LOMN must state that the air purifier exclusively intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, or cure a medical condition or disease. Those with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited care flexible accounts (LCFSA) are not eligible for reimbursement, even with a LOMN.
Patients can request a LOMN from their physician. A valid LOMN must be well-written and endorsed by a medical professional with a relationship to the patient. Find out more about what a LOMN should include here.
Medicare Coverage for Air Purifiers
According to medicare.gov, Medicare does not cover the cost of air purifiers or similar equipment (including dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and room heaters) unless they are deemed DME. Medicare may cover CPAP machines for consumers with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Contact Medicare to determine whether you’re eligible for air purifier coverage.
Coverage of IQAir by Health Insurance Providers
Swiss IQAir brand air purifiers are the most common air purifiers used in hospitals and cleanrooms worldwide and are more likely to be reimbursed by health insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid. The FDA qualifies Swiss IQ models as H12/13 medical-grade filtration devices and DME. That’s very important for Medicare users.
According to retailers, IQAir is a highly effective HEPA-based filtration system that can eliminate particles 100 times smaller than a standard HEPA system. Doctors prescribe IQAir to help eliminate allergens and contaminants for patients with allergies and Asthma. Contact your doctor to find out if you may benefit from an IQAir purifier and whether you may be eligible for insurance coverage or reimbursement.
Overview: Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement of Air Purifiers
To summarize, air purifiers are rarely covered by health insurance providers, FSAs, or HSAs. Some cases are covered when supported by doctors’ prescriptions and LOMNs. IQAir is one of the most recognized brands of air purifiers and is sometimes recognized by the FDA as a supplier of durable medical equipment. Consumers may need to cover the cost of their air purifiers if not covered by insurance. Speak to your doctor and your health insurance provider first to find out if you may be eligible for coverage.