Other Insurance Options
When you need extra financial support for your kidney care, other insurance options are available to assist with gaps in insurance coverage, including:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Indian Health Service
- State kidney care programs
- Healthcare reform
Prescription drug coverage
In 2003, when the Medicare Modernization Act was signed into law, it expanded Medicare coverage to include prescription drug coverage, also known as Medicare Part D. You may be eligible for this type of coverage if you already have Medicare Part A, Part B or both. You may be responsible for a monthly premium, an annual deductible and a co-payment with each prescription when you have Medicare Part D. Costs and coverage options will vary with each plan. To learn more about which prescription drug plans are available in your area, contact 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.
If you have a low income or minimal resources, extra help may be available to reduce your Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs. Speak with your social worker about the options that are available to you.
Keep in mind that if you have health insurance coverage through your employer, you may already have prescription drug coverage included in your health benefits. Contact your human resources benefits administrator before signing up for any other coverage or if you’re considering making a change, as it could affect your health insurance.
For additional information, read the DaVita article Prescription Drug Insurance: Medicare Part D for People with Kidney Disease.
Indian Health Service
Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal health program for eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives with limited insurance options. The IHS provides care, education and disease management for people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. To learn more, visit IHS.gov.
State kidney care programs
Your state may have a program that supports patients with kidney disease, by providing assistance with dialysis, medications and transportation to financially eligible patients. Programs vary from state to state and from year to year. Your social worker and insurance specialists are the best resources to determine if your state has a kidney care program.
Healthcare reform
Healthcare reform, or the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act, was signed into law on March 23, 2010. If you or a family member are concerned how this law could affect you, the DaVita article Healthcare Reform: 6 Things Kidney Patients Should Know gives a brief overview of the provisions that are most likely to impact you.