Florida

Florida

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 23,532

This state offers Medigap insurance to dialysis patients under 65.

Legislative session: March 5 - May 3, 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.

Dialysis Patients have been able to purchase secondary coverage through Medigap plans since October 2009.
The Florida State Legislature passed unanimously and Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation to allow patients with kidney failure to purchase Medigap policies beginning October 2009. Previously, this coverage was only offered to Medicare recipients in Florida over 65 years of age. After numerous letters sent by dialysis patients in Florida and along with kidney patient advocate Alonzo Mourning’s help, the legislature acted to provide over 2,000 Florida kidney patients with access to secondary coverage they did not previously have.

The bill, named the Alonzo Mourning Access to Care Act, will help patients better afford the portion of their dialysis treatments not covered by traditional Medicare.

All Medigap plans offered in Florida must extend coverage to dialysis patients.  If you are having any trouble trying to obtain a plan due to your status as an ESRD patient please let us know.

Find Available Plans

 

Florida Dialysis Patient Resources

ESRD Network

#7 The Florida ESRD Network
5201 W. Kennedy Boulevard Suite 900
Tampa, FL  33609
1-813-354-9111

State-Run Programs

Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration
1-888-419-3456

  • Adult Programs: The Medically Needy program can help pay for Medicaid-covered services.
  • Programs for Children: Florida KidCare is the state's children's health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19.
  • Additional Programs: Cover Florida provides affordable health insurance coverage for persons between ages of 19 and 64 who are without health insurance.

Health Reform Status:

Exchange: The federal government will run the health insurance exchange in Florida.

Medicaid: It is not know at this time whether the state will expand Medicaid eligibility.


 

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