Financial Assistance for Dialysis Patients

Written By Public Relations

Understanding the Cost of Care & Finding Financial Support

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis treatment are more than just medical concerns — they also take a major toll on a person's mental health, physical strength, and financial stability.

The True Cost of Dialysis

Dialysis is a form of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and comes with high medical costs. Expenses include:

  • Medical personnel (doctors, nurses, technicians)

  • Equipment like dialysis machines, tubing, and solutions

  • Ongoing medical monitoring and lab tests

For those without health insurance, each dialysis session can cost over $500, totaling more than $72,000 per year for the standard schedule of three sessions per week (Mushi et al., 2015; GoFundMe, 2021).

Financial Aid Options

1. Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance available to:

  • People age 65 and older

  • Those under 65 with certain disabilities (after 2 years of SSDI)

  • Anyone with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), regardless of age

Medicare generally covers 80% of dialysis costs — but you may still be responsible for the remaining 20%.

🔗 Learn More or Apply at Medicare.gov

2. Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides low-cost or free healthcare to:

  • Low-income individuals and families

  • Seniors

  • Pregnant women

  • People with disabilities

Each state runs its own program, so eligibility and services may vary. Medicaid may also offer additional services that Medicare does not cover.

🔗 Explore Medicaid Options

3. Social Security Disability (SSDI) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

These are financial support programs for individuals who are unable to work due to chronic illness or disability:

  • SSDI provides monthly benefits to people with a long-term disability who have a work history.

  • SSI helps low-income individuals with disabilities, even if they don’t qualify for SSDI.

🔗 Visit SSA.gov for Info

4. Private & Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

If you're not eligible for public insurance, you may be covered by:

  • Group health plans (from an employer, union, or a family member’s job)

  • Individual health insurance plans (purchased on your own)

🔗 Learn More about Health Plans

5. Special Programs for Unique Populations

  • TRICARE: For active duty, veterans, and military families
    🔗 TRICARE.mil

  • Indian Health Service (IHS): For American Indians and Alaska Natives
    🔗 ihs.gov

6. Other Financial Assistance Programs

Several nonprofit organizations offer financial help:

7. Employment & Transition Support

Looking to return to work or learn new skills?

  • U.S. Department of Labor
    🔗 dol.gov

  • Ticket to Work Program: Helps people receiving SSDI/SSI find jobs and keep benefits during the transition
    🔗 choosework.ssa.gov

  • UNOS: Resources for patients seeking kidney transplants
    🔗 unos.org

A Message from Friends of Dialysis

We understand that navigating dialysis can be overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we’re committed to helping build a support network for patients and families.

At Friends of Dialysis, we aim to soon offer direct financial aid, guidance, and emotional support. Your ongoing support of our mission helps us take one step closer to that goal.

Together, we can make a difference — one patient, one story, and one act of kindness at a time.

Sources

Written By Athela Fadul

Follow Us:
🌐 friendsofdialysis.org
📸 Instagram: @friendsofdialysis
📧 Email: info@friendsofdialysis.org

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