Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services

Learning that you have permanent kidney failure isn't easy. Even though you may feel sad, confused, or frustrated, you can still take control of your life. The fact that you're reading this publication is a start. This publication explains how Medicare helps pay for kidney dialysis and kidney transplant services in Original Medicare. In most cases, you can't join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) if you have End-Stage Renal Disease. If you're in a Medicare Health Plan, your plan must give you at least the same coverage that Original Medicare gives, but your costs, rights, protections, and/or choices of where you get your care may be different. You may also be able to get extra benefits. You can read this publication to understand what Medicare covers, but you'll need to read your plan materials or call your benefits administrator for more information about plan rules. Talk with your health care team to learn more about permanent kidney failure and your treatment options. Your doctors, nurses, social workers, dieticians, and dialysis technicians make up your health care team. They are there to help you decide what's best for you based on your situation. Also available in Spanish.