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[Tiffhill]

Hello all, I live in Delaware and my fiancé is in need of a transplant. I went through all the channels and I am a match!!!! the bad news is he requires a secondary insurance in order to do the surgery. We have made dozens of calls and keep hitting brick walls, ie he's too young to qualify, he would have to have less that a certain amount of income in order to qualify. We are thinking the amount of money for dialysis 3 times a week vs the amount of money that can be saved after the surgery would be a no brainer... we are getting very discouraged... ANY help given as far as other resources would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[wolfmom94]

Try talking to your transplant team's social worker, that person may have some ideas for you!

[KelliC_NKF]

This is a difficult situation and is a problem for many people under 65 throughout the country. If he does not qualify for your state Medicaid program (based on income), the only other options would be buying a private insurance plan (expensive), or if your employer/his employer offers insurance. Some transplant programs would allow him to fundraise to prepare for the costs of medications after the surgery. In this case, you could do so through: helphopelive.org/. You can also try another transplant center to see if they would be willing to do the surgery without the secondary insurance. Medicare will only cover for 3 years after transplant then he will need a long-term insurance solution. Also Medicare only pays 80% of the immunosuppressant medications he'll need after transplant - these drugs can be very expensive which is why they want him to be fully covered. For more on insurance visit: kidney.org/atoz/content/ins...

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Your transplant social worker is responsible for helping secure a secondary insurance. She needs to intervene on your behalf with the American Kidney Fund. They provide insurance premiums at no cost to you for just such a situation. Contact your transplant social worker and aske her to reach out to them for help in your behalf. Best of luck. Blessings

[3Kidneys]

In reading the above replies, I don’t know if you have come to any answers. But, you also need to consider the cost of your transplant drugs - most insurance companies consider them a tier 3-4 drug and the cost is outrageous. So check with your insurance company PRIOR to transplant. Even if you have dual coverage, most pharmacies only accept one insurance. It’s a viscous cycle. But the others are correct in telling you to talk with your transplant social worker. Best of luck!!

[LadyLuv]

He's too young? Why would that matter? It's his kidney!!!! The money, yes it is expensive, for you both. You're covered as long as you are getting disability and even better if you have Medicaid. The only thing that I can think of is fund raisers and donations. You can try those things.

Good luck!!!! Take care of yourself!!!!