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.

Illinois Dialysis Patient Resources

Illinois Cares RX
Two programs which provide prescription assistance to people with disabilities with and without Medicare
1-800-226-0768

Illinois Chronic Renal Disease Program
A non-Medicaid, completely state-funded program for persons who have End Stage Renal Disease.  It pays for the dialysis treatment only.  The only requirements to enroll in this program are: the recipient must be a U.S. citizen, legal resident of the state of IL, and they must apply for Medicaid first.  Income is not a factor for this program; however, dependent upon income, expenses and several other factors the recipient may have a participation fee.  This is similar to a co-pay.  Patients should find and complete all the necessary documentation through their social worker at the dialysis clinic they currently utilize. 
1-217-524-7143

Meijer Supermarkets
Prescriptions will be filled for up to 100 tablets; refills are also free. The specific medication(s) in the program may change from time to time; as of 4/20/10, metformin (Glucophage) was available.

#10 ESRD Network "The Renal Network"
911 E. 86th Street, Suite 202
Indianapolis, IN  46240
1-800-456-6919

Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services
1-866-468-7543

• Adult Programs: provides comprehensive medical benefits to residents of Illinois who are children, parents or caretaker relatives raising children younger than 19, pregnant women, seniors 65 years of age or older and persons who have a disability or blindness.
• Programs for Children: The All Kids program offers Illinois uninsured children comprehensive healthcare.
• Medication Programs: Illinois Cares Rx (Basic and Plus) Provides prescription assistance to people with and without Medicare.
• Additional Programs: Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Individual comprehensive health insurance for those denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions or have one of 31 medical conditions.  Access to Care is a model primary health care program serving low-income uninsured individuals in suburban Cook County, Illinois and in northwest Chicago.