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.

Medicaid Update
Kansas reduced Medicaid reimbursement by 10% as of January 2010 for all Medicaid providers but reinstated the previous Medicaid rate in July 2010 after the state legislature put into law a sales tax increase.
 

Kansas Dialysis Patient Resources

National Kidney Foundation Serving Kansas and Western Missouri
Provides financial assistance for emergency relief for kidney patients living in Kansas and Western Missouri.
1-800-444-8113

#12 Heartland Kidney Network
7306 NW Tiffany Springs Pky. Suite 230
Kansas City, MO  64152
1-800-444-9965

Kansas Health Policy Authority Healthwave
Families and Children, 1-800-792-4884
Elderly or Disabled, 1-888-369-4777

• Adult Programs: A program that provides health and long-term care services to people with low-incomes.
• Programs for Children: HealthWave 21 was created for uninsured children, ages 0 - 19, living in households with income levels at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Provides a support system of specialty healthcare for children who have a disability or chronic health condition.
• Additional Programs: Kansas Health Insurance Association (KHIA) Individual health insurance coverage to Kansas residents who have been denied coverage.  The Health Insurance Continuation (HIC) program will pay for part or all of ADAP eligible clients' insurance premiums and co-pays.