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
While Oklahoma had considered eliminating some “optional benefits” under Medicaid for dialysis patients, it ultimately did not.

>Read DPC’s letter to the state of Oklahoma

Medicaid Update
While no budget has been laid out, there have been talks that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority is considering of making substantial cuts to dialysis care in the state’s Medicaid program. The story can be found here.

Oklahoma Dialysis Patient Resources

ESRD Network 13
4200 Perimeter Center Drive Suite 102
Oklahoma City, OK  73112
1-800-472-8664

SoonerCare
1-800-987-7767

• Adult Programs: This program helps pay some or all medical bills for many people who can't afford them.
• Medication Programs: RX for Oklahoma Help access prescription assistance programs provided by pharmaceutical companies.