Mississippi

Mississippi

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 6,071

This state offers Medigap insurance to dialysis patients under 65.

Legislative session: January 8 - April 7, 2013

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.

Mississippi Dialysis Patient Resources

Patient Support and Financial Resources

Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi provides free one-time emergency assistance with diabetes-related medicines and testing supplies to uninsured/underinsured residents of Mississippi.
1-877-DFM-CURE

Mississippi Kidney Foundation
Offers assistance funds for kidney and transplant patients living in Mississippi.
1-800-232-1592

ESRD Network

#8 ESRD Network
1-601-936-9260
Patients Only Toll-Free: 1-877-936-9260

State Run Programs

Mississippi Division of Medicaid
1-601-359-6050
1-800-421-2408

  • Adult Programs: Helps pay for medical services for low-income people.
  • Programs for Children: CHIP is designed to provide health care insurance for children in families without health insurance or with inadequate health insurance. Children's Medical Program Medical and surgical care to children with chronic or disabling conditions.
  • Medication Programs: Senior RX MS helps low-income, uninsured Mississippi residents get access to patient assistance programs where they may qualify for free, or nearly free, prescription medicines. 1-800-948-3090

Health Reform Status:

Exchange: Mississippi will run its own state-based health insurance exchange.

Medicaid: The state will not expand Medicaid eligibility.

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