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
The State preserved Medicaid reimbursement to providers for care of patients with Medicaid as their secondary insurance (dual payments). Additionally, there was a three percent cut to certain Medicaid providers, including those who care for ESRD patients.

Minnesota Dialysis Patient Resources

#11 Renal Network fo the Upper Midwest
1360 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN  55108
1-800-973-3773

Minnesota Department of Human Services MinnesotaCare
1-651-431-2670
1-800-657-3739

• Adult Programs: Provides subsidized health coverage to eligible Minnesotans. 
• Medication Programs: Rx Connect Helps people find affordable prescription drugs.