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
Indiana has gone to a rules notification system, so the State Medicaid department can implement Medicaid changes without legislative approval.
 

Indiana  Dialysis Patient Resources

Children' Special Health Care Services, Indiana State Department of Health
Helps Indiana families of children with serious chronic medical conditions pay for treatment to treatment related to their child's condition.
1-800-475-1355

Kidney Foundation of Greater Cincinnati Medication Aid Program
Offers qualified kidney patients financial assistance to offset medication costs.
1-513-961-8105

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.

Diabetes Association Of St. Joseph County
Provides financial assistance to help defray the costs of medication and medical supplies to residents of St. Joseph County who have diabetes and meet income qualifications.
1-574-247-6047

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

Hoosier Healthwise
1-317-713-9627
1-800-457-4584

• Adult Programs: Hoosier Healthwise is a health insurance program for Indiana children, pregnant women, and low-income families. Health care is provided at little or no cost to Indiana families enrolled in the program.
• Programs for Children: Children's Special Health Care Services Provides supplemental medical coverage to help families of children with serious, chronic medical conditions
• Medication Programs: Hoosier RX Assistance in paying Medicare Part D (drug) premiums. 1-866-267-4679
• Additional Programs: Indiana's health care program to serve individuals who may have special health needs or benefit from specialized attention.  People served by Care Select may be aged, blind, disabled, members who get room and board assistance, members on M.E.D. Works, wards of the court and foster children, children receiving adoptive services and members on a home and community based (HCBS) waiver.