Paying for Dialysis

[ZenPDX]

When you get the news that you have CKD money may not be the first thing that you think of but it should be the second thing as paying for treatment can be more of a life disruption than the treatment it self.

I didn’t look into programs that assist you with the out of pocket expenses early enough in the trip.

When you start dialysis immediately start looking for monetary assistance. I’m retired so the ~$450/month quickly adds up if you don’t have a lot of money.

I waited until I had about $6,000 on my credit card to look for assistance. Don’t be too proud to ask your social worker about assistance early.

I’m with Kaiser Medicare and was able to get 100% of my medical cost paid for by their assistance plan. They pay for all my prescription medicine and doctor appointments. Dentistry, glasses, and hearing aids are not included under my plan.

[Bassetmommer]

Anyone who is headed for dialysis should be seeing an insurance broker before they see a Social Worker. These brokers will assist you to get complete medical coverage or at least the best, no matter your age. They can also explain why it is best to get the most coverage you can, even if you pay more. In the long run, you will pay less. I have a great broker who we have worked with for years. She got me covered so well that I pay NOTHING. NO co-pays nothing, once I pay the deductible. Talk to someone who can help. They do not charge the client.

[ZenPDX in reply to Bassetmommer]

I agree, having good medical coverage is necassary. But once you are diagnostic with CKD you will be unable to get good coverage because you have a preexisting condition that is very expensive.

So my comment still holds true. Look for a program that will assist with the expenses regardless of your insurance.

[Bassetmommer in reply to ZenPDX]

I am not sure what kind of plan you are on...... but take a look at this:

healthcare.gov/coverage/pre...

[ZenPDX in reply to Bassetmommer]

This is a standard Medicare plan from what I can tell. The plan requires that you pay deductibles, copayments., and out-of-pocket-expenses, per the website. it’s a great plan except that it does not pay for PD fluid.

“Generally, yes. All Marketplace plans have deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs that apply to most covered services.”

PD Fluid & appointments are subject to a deductible and for me it’s between $400-500/month.

As I said in my original post, Kaiser will pay your deductible, all prescription medication regardless of why they were prescribed, and copays except for dental, glasses and hearing aids. This is not a feature of Medicare. While Medicare will pay for much of your expenses once you get to the required yearly expense which is ~$6,000 I believe under my Kaiser program they will pay for my expenses before I reach the monetary cap.

[Allnight]

in Canada, there has been no charge at all for any of it. I go to the clinic abd they gave me the machine. Baxter brings all the supplies I want or need to the house. The parking is kind of expensive there. I did have to buy a few things….a scale, a trolley. A blood pressure machine. My insurance covers the prescriptions mostly. Also, there is a disability tax credit for the income tax that is considerable.

I do have to pay for things like lawn mowing, some house cleaning etc but I would probably have to do that anyway as I am 77 years old and not as ambitious as I used to be when it comes to things like that. Not a result of the kidney stuff, but more old age.

I am not charged for doctor or hospital visits because we have universal health care. I am horrified that you have to pay for this……