California

California

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 53,038

This state offers Medigap insurance to dialysis patients under 65.

Legislative session: December 12, 2012 - September 13, 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.

California Dialysis Patient Resources

Patient Support and Financial Resources

Community Health Partnership - Diabetes Coalition of Santa Clara County
Provides low-income, uninsured or underinsured individuals access to diabetic medical supplies, with an emphasis on the Latino population.
1-408-556-6605
Santa Clara County

The Kidney TRUST
Assists dialysis patients needing help with co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles for medical treatment, services, and prescription drugs. Please note that the Kidney Trust has specific application periods during each year. Please check before you apply.
1-866-399-7634

National Kidney Foundation Serving Southern California & Southern Nevada
This foundation has an emergency assistance fund to aid dialysis and transplant patients who are experiencing financial crisis.
1-800-747-5527

ESRD Network

Northern California
#17 Western Pacific Renal Network
505 San Marin Dr. Bldg. A, Suite 300
Novato, CA  94945
1-800-232-3773

Southern California
#18 Southern California Renal Disease Council
6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 2211
Los Angeles, CA  90028
1-323-962-2020

State-Run Programs

Medi-Cal
1-916-445-4171

  • Adult Programs: This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS.
  • Programs for Children: Healthy Families is low cost insurance for children and teens.

 

Health Reform Status:

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

Medicaid: The state will expand Medicaid eligibility.

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