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 will reduce reimbursement to health care providers by 15 percent for fee-for-service care of patients who are solely covered by Medicaid, effective July 1, 2011.  While this will not directly impact patients’ insurance coverage, DPC is concerned about the impact this might have in rural areas of the state where there is an increased possibility that facilities will be forced to cut services or close down.

>Archives of previous Action Alerts for the state of Nevada

Nevada Dialysis Patient Resources

National Kidney Foundation Serving Southern California & Southern Nevada
This foundation has an emergency assistance fund to aid dialysis and transplant patients who are experiencing financial crisis.
1-800-747-5527

#15 Intermountain End Stage Renal Disease Network
165 S. Union Blvd., Suite 466
Lakewood, CO  80228
1-800-783-8818

Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
Northern Nevada 1-775-684-7200
Southern Nevada 1-702-486-1646

• Adult Programs: Nevada Medicaid A health insurance program which provides quality health care services to eligible low-income Nevadans. 
• Programs for Children: Nevada Check Up Provides low-cost, comprehensive health care coverage to low-income, uninsured children through age 18.
• Medication Programs: Nevada Senior RX A program that provides Nevada seniors (with or without Medicare Part D) with assistance paying for medication.  Nevada Disability Rx Provides assistance with the cost of prescription medications to qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Additional Programs: Health Insurance for Work Advancement (HIWA) Health insurance plan for disabled individuals who are working or seeking work.
   

Nevada Advocacy Archives
As the state legislature prepares for 2012, new legislation will need to be introduced to accomplish our advocacy priorities. Click here for a list of issues and legislation DPC advocated for in past legislative sessions.