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
On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 the Ohio State Senate Finance Committee considered proposed legislation that would eliminate Medicaid coinsurance reimbursement to providers and dialysis patients for Medicaid transportation coverage.  DPC provided the below commentary to the Committee expressing concern over the negative effects the legislation would have on patient access to care.  Since that time, the State has exempted dialysis providers.

>DPC’s comment letter to the State Senate Finance Committee regarding proposed cuts

Ohio Dialysis Patient Resources

Kidney Foundation of Greater Cincinnati - Medication Aid Program
Offers qualified kidney patients financial assistance to offset medication costs.
1-513-961-8105

National Kidney Foundation Serving Ohio and Kentucky
Offers emergency financial assistance to patients with limited funds living in Ohio and Kentucky.
1-614-481-4030

Ohio Department of Health/Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
Offers programs that will find and help pay for medical services for children under 21 who are residents of Ohio and have a Medical Handicap
1-800-755-4769

Giant Eagle Supermarkets
Provides certain oral diabetes medications for free.
 1–800–553–2324

Meijer Supermarkets
Prescriptions will be filled for up to 100 tablets; refills are also free. The specific medication(s) in the program may change from time to time; as of 4/20/10, metformin (Glucophage) was available.

Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland/Lend Each Other A Helping Hand (LEAH) Program
This program provides a 30-day supply of strips, lancets, and syringes to diabetics who are residents of the service area.
1-216-591-0800

#9 ESRD Network "The Renal Network"
911 E. 86th Street, Suite 202
Indianapolis, IN  46240
1-800-456-6919

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
1-877-852-0010

• Adult Programs:   Ohio Medicaid offers a span of programs for older adults and people with disabilities to assist with medical expenses. These programs provide health care coverage consisting of primary and acute-care benefit packages along with long-term care.
• Programs for Children: Ohio Healthy Families   Health care coverage program for families that include a child younger than 19 and who meet income requirements.
• Medication Programs: Ohio's Best Rx Prescription drug discount card program for seniors and low-income individuals.
• Additional Programs: Working Ohioans with disabilities may be interested in the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities program.