Congressman Juan Ciscomani is leading a bipartisan initiative to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to update its standards for diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea. The effort aims to align federal coverage with current medical science, addressing concerns that outdated criteria prevent many Americans from receiving timely diagnoses and treatment.
In a letter signed by Ciscomani and 17 other members of Congress, the lawmakers call on CMS to modernize its coverage determinations for sleep apnea. The letter is backed by 18 professional and patient support organizations. Lawmakers point out that current policies may particularly disadvantage women and younger individuals.
“Updating current criteria in a timely fashion will ensure access to proper diagnosis and treatment options for all people experiencing serious symptoms and health consequences of sleep apnea, including women and younger individuals, to better reflect the real-life variations of how sleep apnea manifests in individuals,” the members wrote.
Sleep apnea causes breathing interruptions during sleep, which can worsen other health conditions if untreated. Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches. Left unaddressed, it can contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems.
The letter highlights that research shows obstructive sleep apnea presents differently across patient groups, but CMS policies have not kept pace with scientific advances. Lawmakers specifically request an update on whether CMS will adopt the H3A hypopnea definition, which experts believe could improve care access and reduce long-term costs.
Ciscomani emphasized the need for updated federal policy: “Sleep apnea is a serious public health issue that affects millions of Americans, yet too many patients are falling through the cracks because federal coverage standards are outdated,” said Ciscomani. “We have a responsibility to ensure CMS policies reflect current science so patients can access timely, accurate diagnoses and effective treatment — especially women and others whose symptoms have historically been overlooked.”
Eighteen national organizations representing clinicians, specialists, researchers, advocates, and patients—including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Heart Association—support the initiative.
Julie Flygare, JD, President and CEO of Project Sleep, stated: “This is such an important issue to ensure people — especially women — receive accurate sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment,” said Flygare. “We are grateful to Congressman Ciscomani for leading this critical effort to modernize coverage standards and help more Americans get the restorative sleep they need to live healthy, productive lives.”
The letter was led by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) along with Representatives Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Tim Burchett, Salud Carbajal, Donald G. Davis, Suzan K. DelBene, Laura Friedman, Josh Gottheimer, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen F. Lynch, Lucy McBath, Rich McCormick MD MBA, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Pappas, John H. Rutherford, James R. Walkinshaw.
Lawmakers requested that CMS provide a prompt response detailing its perspective on updating obstructive sleep apnea coverage criteria as well as any planned activities or timelines regarding new standards of care.
Juan Ciscomani has served as U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 6th district since 2023 after succeeding Ann Kirkpatrick; he won his most recent elections against Kirsten Engel in both 2022 and 2024.
