Medicare, a federal program, pays for dialysis for over 80% of dialysis treatments. However, many issues concerning dialysis patients are actually handled at the state level.

Individual states have to provide certain basic services under Medicaid, but they also have flexibility in how they structure their plans and set their reimbursement rates. In addition, some states have the authority to determine the need and location for additional dialysis facilities (this is often referred to as certificate of need). Because dialysis patients’ care can be affected by state officials as well as federal officials, DPC members are becoming more active on state issues—ensuring the patients’ voice is heard locally as well as nationally.

2011 Medicaid Update
The State will reduce Medicaid reimbursement to health care providers by half of a percent.  While this will not directly impact patients’ insurance coverage, DPC is concerned about the impact this might have in rural areas of the state where there is an increased possibility that facilities will be forced to cut services or close down.  However, the state will also be increasing patient co-pays for Medicaid, effective July 1, 2011.

Governor Perdue Signs Medigap Legislation into Law, Helping Thousands of Georgians with Kidney Failure
On May 24, 2010 Governor Sonny Perdue signed landmark, bi-partisan legislation, approved with overwhelming support in the state legislature, to provide access to Medigap secondary coverage for Georgia’s end stage renal disease (ESRD) and disabled patients who are struggling to access needed medical care due to financial barriers.  The bill will provide first-time access to Medigap coverage for Georgia’s Medicare beneficiaries under age 65, including ESRD patients.  Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 are already able to purchase Medigap as secondary coverage.  Medigap plans were scheduled to begin  allowing coverage for dialysis patients effective November 1, 2010.

Thank you to all of you who worked hard to provide testimony, send emails and make phone calls when the were needed. Your hard work made the difference.

>Please let us know about your experience purchasing Medigap under the new Georgia law.

Georgia Dialysis Patient Resources

National Kidney Foundation of Georgia
A financial assistance program exists for dialysis patients, but current kidney patients in stages 1-4 of chronic kidney disease are not eligible.  A maximum award of $150 is available per patient.  Income is not a factor for eligibility in this program.  The patient must be on dialysis, a state resident and seek aid through their social worker.

#6 Southeastern Kidney Council
1000 St. Albans Drive Suite 270
Raleigh, NC  27609
1-800-524-7139

• Adult Programs: Provides health care for children, pregnant women, and people who are aging, blind and disabled.
• Programs for Children: PeachCare for Kids Free or low-cost health insurance for Georgia's uninsured children.