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
Effective April 1, 2011, the state has reduced reimbursement to health care providers by two percent for care of patients who are solely covered by Medicaid.  Additionally, DPC is awaiting a ruling on the elimination of Medicaid coverage of oral nutrition supplements.  Reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) was also lowered for transportation of dialysis patients.  The State has assured DPC that patients will not be impacted by these reimbursement changes.

>Read DPC's follow-up comments to New York on the elimination of oral nutritional supplements

>Read DPC’s letter to New York on the elimination of oral nutritional supplements

>Read the Coalition letter on the elimination of oral nutritional supplements

>Read DPC’s letter to New York on the reduction of NEMT for dialysis patients

>Read New York’s response assuring DPC that New York dialysis patients will not be impacted by Medicaid NEMT reimbursement changes

>Archives of previous Action Alerts for the state of New York


New York Dialysis Patient Resources

National Kidney Foundation of Central New York
Provides emergency financial aid for patients and their families who are coping with the effects of chronic kidney disease.
1-315-476-0311

#2 IPRO End Stage Renal Disease Network of New York
1979 Marcus Avenue
Lake Success, NY  11042
1-800-238-3773

New York State Department of Health
1-718-557-1399

• Adult Programs: Medical care for eligible residents who can't afford it.  Family Health Plus is a public health insurance program for adults who are aged 19 to 64 who have income or resources too high to qualify for Medicaid. 
• Programs for Children: Child Health Plus provides health insurance for kids Depending on family income children may be eligible for either Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus.
• Medication Programs: Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Two plans to help pay prescription costs for the elderly: Fee Plan, and the Deductible Plan.
• Additional Programs: Working People with Disabilities may qualify for a Medicaid buy-in program.
   

New York 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.