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 passed an 11.2 percent reduction to reimbursement for care of patients covered by Medicaid solely, on a fee-per-healthcare service basis, 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.  Medicaid managed care plans will also see an 11 percent reduction over two years.

Oregon Dialysis Patient Resources

#16 Northwest Renal Network
4702 42nd Avenue SW
Seattle, WA  98116
1-800-262-1514

Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
1-800-359-9517

• Adult Programs:  Oregon Medicaid provides health care coverage to low-income residents. 
• Programs for Children: Healthy Kids Low-cost or free health care coverage for Oregon children who don't have health insurance.
• Medication Programs: Emergency Prescription Assistance -Multnomah County Assists low income seniors and disabled persons with the cost of prescription medicines.  Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP) Prescription drug assistance program.
• Additional Programs: Oregon Medical Insurance Pool (OMIP) Health insurance coverage for those: unable to obtain insurance because of a health condition; or who have exhausted their COBRA benefits, or lost coverage due to foreign trade competition.  Family Health Insurance Assistance Program /FHIAP Pays from 50% to 95% of private health insurance premiums for qualifying families.