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
In 2010, Louisiana reduced Medicaid reimbursement for all Medicaid providers by 5% for primary and secondary claims.
 

Louisiana Dialysis Patient Resources

#13 ESRD Network
4200 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 102
Oklahoma City, OK  73112
1-800-472-8664

Louisiana Medicaid
1-888-342-6207

• Adult Programs: Provides medical care to needy Louisiana residents who qualify.
• Programs for Children: LaCHIP offers low cost or no cost health care plans for uninsured Louisiana children up to age 19. Eligibility is based on family size and income.
• Medication Programs: Cenla Medication Access Program (CMAP) Chronic care prescription medications for people who cannot afford them.