January 27, 2008
Home dialysis: You can afford it.
If your kidneys have failed, you will need dialysis treatment. The majority of dialysis costs, whether for home or in-center treatment, are paid through medical insurance, either your own insurance or the government-sponsored Medicare program.
In 1972, the Social Security Act was changed to extend Medicare benefits to people of any age with end stage renal disease as long as they meet certain requirements based on work credits. Find out about the requirements for Medicare coverage.
In addition, the improved outcomes that generally accompany home dialysis often allow dialysis patients to return to work or continue working, making it possible for many patients to take advantage of their companies’ medical insurance.
If you are able to continue working, you may want to in order to be covered by your company’s insurance plan. If you have any questions about whether your company’s plan covers home dialysis, talk to your Human Resources department. Someone there will be able to help you find answers to your questions.
Another option for paying for home dialysis is to buy your own medical insurance. The dialysis costs covered by a personal insurance plan vary, depending on the plan you purchase. The only problem with personal insurance plans is that some do not cover treatment for health conditions that you have received treatment for before purchasing the plan. For this reason, you should ask about any restrictions on pre-existing conditions.
A member of your health care team, your social worker, can talk to you more about insurance and help you find the plan or combination of plans that works best for you.
Learn more about home dialysis at www.davita.com/home.
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Home hemo and peritoneal dialysis information is available online. Find out if it's right for you.
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jeanette altman said,
June 11, 2008 @ 7:43 am
I AM TO START TRAINING FOR HOMEDIALYSIS ON JUNE 25TH. I DO WORK @ HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE, I HAVE A SMALL SAVING ACCOUNT FOR RETIREMENT, I DONOT HAVE A 401K OR RETIREMENT PLAN , I WORK FOR A SMALL INDEPENDENT COMPANY, NO BENIFITS, THEY DONT EVEN PAY YOU FOR OFF DAYFOR SPOUSE FUNERAL. DO I STILL QUALIFY FOR MEDICARE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE INSURANCEAND A SMALL SAVINGS.ASIT STANDS NOW I DONT QUAILFIY FOR FAMILY SICK LEAVE ACT BECAUSE WE HAVE LESS THAN 50 EMPLOYEES, I AM BLESSED BECAUSE I HAVE 110 HOURS OF VACATION , SO I WILL BE ABLE TO USE THAT TIME WHILE I AM TRAINING FOR DIALYSIS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY EMPLOYER AFTER I USE ALL MY TIME UP , MY INSURANCE WILL LAPSE IF I DONT WORK 32 HOURS A WEEK, THEY TOLD ME WE DONT HAVE COBRA BECAUSE OUR COMPANY IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH!!! PLEASE HELP
bill said,
August 2, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
Yes you are covered regardless. Medicare will pay what ever your insurance does not cover. If you are laid off or quit Medicare will still cover you up to 80% and all other medical regardless of age. It is federal law that all kidney patients regardless of age are covered no exceptions. You can also collect Social Security if not working. As far as your employer goes you might let him know that kidney failure is coverd under the Federal Disability Act. He should not press his luck or you may have a law suit against him.You are covered no matter what. You can not get Medicare until after 3 months being on dialyis. Apply as soon as possible you can do it over the phone. Call the 800 Social Security Number and they will set up a phone appointment. That way you will be ready to go it it goes into effect. It is all very easiy. Good luck and I wish your employer well. (lol) Bill