West Virginia

West Virginia

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 1,858

This state does not currently offer Medigap insurance to dialysis patients under 65.

Legislative session: January 9 - April 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.

West Virginia Dialysis Patient Resources

Patient Support and Financial Resources

National Kidney Foundation Serving the Alleghenies
Provides financial assistance to patients and families who are experiencing a financial crisis due to kidney disease or transplantation.
1-412-261-4115

ESRD Network

#5 Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition
1527 Huguenot Road  
Midlothian, VA  23113
1-866-651-6272

State Run Programs

West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services
1-866-445-8491

  • Adult Programs: The Bureau for Medical Services is committed to administering the Medicaid Program, while maintaining accountability for the use of resources, in a way that assures access to appropriate, medically necessary, and quality health care services for all members; provide these services in a user friendly manner to providers and members alike; and focus on the future by providing preventive care programs.
  • Programs for Children: The West Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) is a low cost health care plan for children and teenagers of working families.
  • Additional Programs: AccessWV is a health plan created by West Virginia statute to provide health insurance to West Virginians who have been unable to find or who have been denied health insurance in the private market because of a medical condition.

Health Reform Status

Exchange: West Virginia will run its health insurance exchange in partnership with the federal government.

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

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