Medicare is being terminated after having kidney transplant 3 years ago

[Deneace68]

I received a letter from SSA terminating my Medicare benefits. I am not able to work. What do I need to do to get help to pay for my medications?

[Hidden]

Hi…Sorry to hear the news. Since I was debating whether to keep Medicare, I came across the law that was signed in 2020. “Washington, DC (December 22, 2020) — The US Senate passed the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act as part of a broad year-end legislative package, extending Medicare coverage of life saving immunosuppressive medications for the life of the kidney transplant.”.

The only problem is that it doesn’t begin until 2023. I was a little confused about what people are supposed to do until then.

I’m 51 years old and 8 months out from my transplant. I don’t work at the moment. I have some problems with anxiety/depress and I’ve only worked sporadically over several years. We do have good insurance through my wife’s work. I’m grateful for my wife, kidney donor and true love.

I’ll send positive vibes your way.

[LavenderRabbit]

Talk to your transplant team. There are people there that can help with this type of stuff.

[MomofRecipient]

I think you need to discuss with SSA and perhaps apply for SSD since you are unable to work. My son receives SSD and Medicare with Medicaid as a supplement. If you still cannot find a path to keeping Medicare and you have no income, apply for Medicaid? Be worth a shot. A burden you do not need - I wish you the best.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

You need to talk with the social worker at your transplant center. That's part of their job is to help with your situation. The last thing they want is for you to be without your transplant meds. There are some drug companies that will help also. But the social worker would know all about that.

[RhenDutchess123 in reply to WYOAnne]

If you have any 401k or savings...most Organizations wont help you until those have been exhausted....including National Kidney Foundation. ...

[Herkidney]

If you are no longer eligible for Medicare, contact your local Department of Social Services and inquire about Medicaid. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, ask the Department of Social Services for a referral to your state’s Affordable Care Act agency. You may qualify for health insurance through your state’s Affordable Care Act agency with very low premiums.

[Crapgame]

The key is to try and get SSDI. I applied and was approved as soon as I started dialysis. Then the 36 month post transplant period to keep Medicare automatically becomes 93 months. In my case that will be sufficient as I will turn 65 within the 93 month period. As others have noted, the social worker at your center is there to help with issues like this.