Government and Insurance

Government

national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases

1-800-860-8747

healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov

Insurance

When you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may have many questions and concerns; some of those questions and concerns will involve insurance. The way insurance works can be confusing. The way insurance works when it comes to dialysis and kidney disease can be even more difficult to understand.

Many medical insurance providers will pay for most, and sometimes all of your dialysis treatments, labs, and medications. You will need to find out what your insurance provider will cover—it is imperative to maintain your health insurance.

Consider these questions when you are reviewing your insurance benefits:

  • What type of insurance do you have and what does it cover?
  • Who is the policyholder, you, your spouse, etc.?
  • Is the coverage through active employment, retirement policy, COBRA, or government insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid?
  • Do you have other health conditions in addition to dialysis?
  • Do you have a co-pay or deductible?
  • Are your healthcare providers in-network or out-of-network?
  • What is your level of prescription drug coverage?

Make sure to give all insurance coverage information to your healthcare provider or social worker so that we are aware of your needs and can give you the answers to the questions you have.

Keep in mind that changes to your plan may have a significant impact on your treatment coverage. Know your insurance plan and options before making any health coverage changes. QD is there for you to answer your questions and support you with the patient education you need.