Apria Healthcare is a supplier of home medical equipment and respiratory care services

Apria Healthcare is a national company that delivers medical equipment and supplies to your home. They provide oxygen equipment, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, hospital beds, wound care supplies, and other devices that people use while recovering or managing chronic conditions. Apria operates in most U.S. states and works with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans.

The company handles the logistics — delivery, setup, maintenance, and replacement of equipment — so you do not have to pick it up or manage repairs yourself. Your doctor writes a prescription, Apria checks your insurance coverage, and the equipment arrives at your home. You typically pay only a copay or coinsurance amount if your insurance covers the item; uninsured patients pay out of pocket.

Apria is one of several national home medical equipment suppliers. Others include Amedisys, Lincare, and regional or local companies. The choice of supplier often depends on which company your insurance network includes, though you can sometimes request a specific supplier if your doctor recommends one.

Key Takeaways

  • Apria delivers medical equipment and supplies to your home and handles setup and maintenance, so you do not need to arrange transportation or repairs yourself.
  • Your doctor must write a prescription for the equipment, and Apria will verify your insurance coverage before delivery.
  • Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover Apria equipment if it is medically necessary, though you may owe a copay or coinsurance.
  • Apria can be reached by phone or online to check on orders, report equipment problems, or arrange refills of supplies.
  • If Apria is not in your insurance network or you prefer another supplier, ask your doctor whether they can refer you to a different company.

How to get equipment through Apria

The process starts with your doctor. You need a written prescription for the specific equipment — for example, a CPAP machine for sleep apnea or oxygen concentrator for chronic lung disease. Your doctor can send the prescription directly to Apria, or you can pick up a paper copy and call Apria to start the order yourself.

Once Apria receives the prescription, they contact your insurance company to confirm the item is covered and to find out what you owe. This step usually takes one to three business days. If your insurance denies coverage, Apria will tell you the reason and may ask your doctor to provide additional medical information to appeal the decision.

If the equipment is covered, Apria schedules a delivery time that works for you. Delivery typically happens within three to seven business days, depending on the item and your location. A technician brings the equipment to your home, sets it up, shows you how to use it, and answers questions. For oxygen and CPAP equipment, they also explain maintenance and when to call for refills or repairs.

What insurance covers and what you pay

Medicare covers most home medical equipment if a doctor prescribes it as medically necessary. This includes oxygen, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and wound care supplies. You typically pay 20 percent coinsurance after you meet your deductible, though some items have different cost-sharing rules. Oxygen and CPAP supplies (like tubing or masks) are usually covered as ongoing expenses.

Medicaid coverage varies by state. Most state Medicaid programs cover home medical equipment, but the list of covered items and your out-of-pocket cost depend on your state's rules. Contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid managed care plan to confirm what is covered before ordering.

Private insurance plans also vary. Some cover home medical equipment with a copay; others require coinsurance or a deductible. Call the customer service number on your insurance card and give them the equipment code (Apria can provide this) to find out your exact cost before you commit to the order.

If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the item, you pay Apria's full price out of pocket. Prices vary widely depending on the equipment — a CPAP machine might cost $500 to $3,000, while a wheelchair could range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Ask Apria for a price quote before you order.

Ongoing support and equipment maintenance

After delivery, Apria provides ongoing support. If your equipment breaks or stops working, you can call their customer service line to report the problem. For urgent issues — such as an oxygen concentrator that will not turn on — Apria aims to respond the same day or next business day. They will either troubleshoot over the phone or send a technician to repair or replace the equipment.

For supplies that run out, such as CPAP mask cushions, wound dressings, or oxygen tubing, Apria can set up automatic refills. You can also call to request a refill whenever you need one. Refills are usually shipped or delivered within a few days.

Apria also handles insurance reauthorization. If your prescription expires or your insurance requires a new authorization, Apria contacts your doctor and insurance company to renew coverage so your equipment and supplies continue without interruption.

Choosing Apria versus other suppliers

Your insurance network often determines which suppliers you can use. Check your insurance card or call customer service to see which home medical equipment companies are in-network. Using an in-network supplier means lower out-of-pocket costs for you.

If Apria is not in your network, you can ask your doctor to refer you to a supplier that is. If you strongly prefer Apria, you can ask your insurance company whether they will make an exception, though this is not always possible.

If you are already using Apria and want to switch to another supplier, contact Apria to arrange equipment pickup or transfer. Your doctor can then send the prescription to the new supplier. The switch usually takes a few days, so plan ahead if you need uninterrupted equipment use.

Common issues and how to resolve them

Equipment arrives damaged or does not work: Call Apria when ready. They will troubleshoot over the phone or send a replacement. Do not try to repair the equipment yourself, as this may void the warranty.

Insurance denies coverage: Apria will explain the reason. Common reasons include the item not being on the insurance company's covered list, or the doctor's documentation not meeting the insurance company's medical necessity standards. Ask Apria to work with your doctor to submit additional information or appeal the denial.

You are charged more than expected: Review your insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) to confirm what your plan covers. If the charge does not match your plan's cost-sharing rules, call Apria's billing department with your EOB and ask them to correct it.

You need to return equipment: If you no longer need the equipment, contact Apria to arrange a pickup. You may owe a restocking fee depending on the item and how long you used it. Ask about the fee before you request a return.

Contacting Apria and tracking your order

You can reach Apria by phone, online portal, or mail. Their main customer service number is available on their website. When you call, have your prescription, insurance information, and any previous order numbers ready.

Many Apria customers can track their order status online through the Apria website or mobile app. You can see the delivery date, contact the delivery technician, and request refills without calling. If you do not have online access, call customer service and they can provide the same information over the phone.

For billing questions, ask to speak with the billing department. For equipment problems, ask for technical support. For insurance or coverage questions, ask for the insurance verification team. Routing your call to the right department speeds up resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apria deliver to all states?

Apria operates in most U.S. states, but not all. Check their website or call to confirm they serve your area. If they do not, ask your doctor for a referral to a home medical equipment supplier in your region.

What if I need equipment urgently?

Call Apria and explain the urgency. For critical items like oxygen, they may be able to expedite delivery or arrange same-day or next-day service in some areas. Have your prescription and insurance information ready when you call.

Can I buy equipment from Apria without insurance?

Yes. Uninsured patients pay Apria's full retail price. Ask for a price quote and ask whether Apria offers payment plans or discounts for cash customers. Some equipment suppliers offer reduced prices if you pay upfront.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Contact Apria to let them know your new address. If Apria serves your new state, they can arrange to transfer your equipment and continue service. If they do not, they will help you return the equipment and can refer you to a supplier in your new location.

Can I request a specific brand of equipment?

Your doctor can request a specific brand in the prescription, and Apria will try to honor it. However, your insurance may only cover certain brands, or Apria may not stock the brand you want. Ask Apria whether your preferred brand is available and covered before your order is placed.