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.

Maryland Dialysis Patient Resources

The Kidney TRUST
Assists dialysis patients needing help with co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles for medical treatment, services, and prescription drugs. Please note that the Kidney Trust has specific application periods during each year. Please check before you apply.
1-866-399-7634

#5 Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition
1527 Huguenot Road   
Midlothian, VA  23113
1-866-651-6272

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
1-410-767-5800 
1-800-492-5231

• Adult Programs: A Medicaid program that pays the medical bills of people who have low income and cannot afford medical care.
• Programs for children: The Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) gives full health benefits for children up to age 19, and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines.
• Medication Programs: Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) Financial assistance to moderate-income residents who are enrolled in an approved Medicare prescription drug plan.