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.
 

Missouri Kidney Program (MoKP) Update

The state’s budget conference cut the Missouri Kidney Program (MoKP) funding by $1.3 million.  MoKP’s 2012 Fiscal Year budget was initially $2.8 million. However starting July 1, MoKP‘s budget will be reduced by 48% to only $1.5 million. This reduced budget is the lowest appropriation for MoKP since the 1970’s. Consequently MoKP’s services for prescription drug costs, transportation, and supplemental insurance premiums, among other services, will look very different for Missouri patients.  In response to the drastic budget cuts, MoKP’s Budget Review committee is developing a reduction strategy.  The MoKP will announce further details of their 2012 Fiscal Year plan to action.

>Archives of previous Action Alerts for the state of Missouri

Missouri Dialysis Patient Resources

Missouri Kidney Program (MoKP)
This program provides assistance to people in Missouri who have Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease or have had a kidney transplant.
A non-Medicaid, completely state-funded program for persons who have kidney disease.  The requirements to enroll in this program are: the recipient must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of the state of Missouri and they must be eligible to receive Medicaid.  There are no income restrictions for this program and the amount of fiscal support varies patient to patient.  The program offers the following list of services for kidney disease patients: Centralized drug program (with formulary); immunosuppressive program for transplant patients; transportation assistance; insurance premium support; transplant assistance of donors/recipients; Medicaid spend down pay-in and Ticket to Work Health Assurance Premiums.  Patients should find and complete all the necessary documentation through their social worker at the dialysis clinic they currently utilize.
1-800-733-7345

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

Mo HealthNet
1-888-275-5908

• Adult Programs: Mo HealthNet provides medical services to persons who meet certain eligibility requirements.   Include programs for families with children and those with disabilities.
• Medication Programs: Missouri RX (MO RX) Pays for 50% of your out-of-pocket prescription costs covered by Medicare D.