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.

Vermont Dialysis Patient Resources

National Kidney Foundation of New England
This foundation has a grant to assist patients who have kidney disease or are transplant recipients with a variety of needs.
1-800-542-4001

The Kidney Transplant/Dialysis Association, Inc. (KT/DA)
The KT/DA provides direct financial aid to needy kidney patients and donors in New England.
1-781-641-4000
P.O. Box 51362 GMF
Boston, MA 02205-1362

#1 Network of New England
30 Hazel Terrace
Woodbridge, CT  06525
1-203-387-9332

Dept. for Families and Children
1-800-464-4343

• Adult Programs: The State of Vermont offers no or low-cost health insurance programs to Vermonters, under the umbrella of Green Mountain Care.
• Programs for Children: Dr. Dynasaur is a health insurance program for children, teens under 18 and pregnant women.
• Additional Programs: A family of health insurance plans offered by the State of Vermont and its partners that includes plans such as Catamount Health, Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP), Dr. Dynasaur, Medicaid, and a number of pharmacy assistance and premium assistance programs.