Market scope note: This article covers information from both Korea and the United States. Each item is labeled 🇰🇷 Korea or 🇺🇸 U.S. in the body to indicate which country it applies to.
Have you ever worried about a parent tossing and turning every night, feeling excessively drowsy during the day, or snoring heavily? Sleep problems are often dismissed as "a natural part of aging," but experts see it differently. According to the Journal of the Korean Neurological Association (published 2025), approximately 50% of older adults experience sleep problems, and notably up to 43% report difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings. 🇰🇷 Korea In Korea as well, it is known that roughly 1 in 3 people aged 60 and older complain of insomnia symptoms. Sleep disorders are not merely an inconvenience — they are closely linked to cognitive decline, increased fall risk, and worsening cardiovascular disease.
🇰🇷 Korea Let us first look at the scale of sleep disorders. According to data from the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, the number of patients treated for sleep disorders surpassed 1.3 million in 2024, a 26% increase over five years. By age group, those in their 60s (285,000) and 70s (208,000) account for a substantial share of the total. Sleep disorders are no longer simply a matter of personal habits — they have become an area that senior health policy must actively address.
🇰🇷 Korea In Korea, the primary diagnostic pathway for senior sleep disorders is polysomnography. In the past, it was an out-of-pocket expense that could exceed 1,000,000 won, but it is now designated as a covered benefit under the National Health Insurance (국민건강보험), meaning eligible patients pay only 20% of the examination cost. As of 2026, the patient co-payment under health insurance coverage is approximately 136,000 won at a clinic level. Coverage criteria include the presence of one or more symptoms — daytime sleepiness, frequent snoring, breathing interruptions during sleep, or frequent awakenings — combined with evidence of upper airway obstruction, or a history of hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes.
🇰🇷 Korea Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, patients can also receive National Health Insurance benefits for CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device rental. After receiving a confirmed diagnosis from a specialist under disease code G47.3 (sleep apnea), ongoing insurance support continues if the patient uses the device for 4 or more hours per day on at least 21 days within any consecutive 30-day period during the 90-day compliance period. Additionally, 🇰🇷 Korea in 2026 the senior welfare budget has been expanded to 29 trillion 316.1 billion won, strengthening community-based health management systems including home visit medical care (250 home medical centers in operation) and the Senior Customized Care Service (노인맞춤돌봄 서비스) targeting 576,000 people. The foundation for managing chronic health issues — including sleep disorders — on a routine basis at the community level is growing broader.
🇺🇸 U.S. In the United States, Medicare covers a significant portion of sleep disorder-related costs. Medicare Part B covers the cost of physician-prescribed polysomnography (for diagnosing conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and parasomnias), and the study can be conducted not only at a sleep clinic but also at home. As of 2026, after meeting the Part B deductible ($283), the patient's share is 20%. Note that starting January 1, 2026, prior authorization is required for certain sleep-related procedures in some states (6 states), so it is advisable to confirm with your primary care physician in advance.
🇺🇸 U.S. CPAP devices for treating sleep apnea are covered under Medicare Part B as Durable Medical Equipment. After a 3-month trial period, if the physician confirms the device is effective, coverage continues, and after 13 consecutive months of use, the patient can keep the device as their own. On the medication side, 🇺🇸 U.S. Medicare Part D covers sleep-related prescription drugs according to each plan's formulary, and the 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap has been set at $2,100, reducing the financial burden further.
Both Korea and the United States view sleep disorders not as a simple consequence of aging but as a treatable medical condition, and both have steadily expanded coverage from diagnosis through treatment devices. As a family caregiver, the most important first step is to carefully observe your parent's sleep patterns, and if symptoms are suspected, to consult a specialist and confirm eligibility for covered polysomnography. A single test could change the quality of your parent's nights.
Sources: Journal of the Korean Neurological Association, "Age-Related Changes in Sleep Physiology and Sleep Disorders in the Elderly" (2025); National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee sleep disorder treatment statistics (2024); Yuyu Teijin blog, polysomnography coverage guide (2026); National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단) CPAP coverage guide; Korea Policy Briefing (대한민국 정책브리핑), "Changes in Health and Welfare Policies in 2026" (December 2025); Bravo My Life (브라보마이라이프), "Senior Welfare Policy Changes in 2026" (January 2026); Medicare.org, "Medicare Coverage for Sleep Disorders" (2026); Mutual of Omaha, "Sleep Apnea and Medicare Coverage" (2026); Medicare.org, "Does Medicare Cover Sleep Study" (2026).
Note: This article was compiled by AI from the sources cited above. We strive for accuracy, but for decisions about your specific situation, please confirm the latest guidance from a professional or the relevant agency.