District of Columbia

District of Columbia

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 1,897

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

Legislative session: January 2 - December 31, 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.

District of Columbia Dialysis Patient Resources

Patient Support and Financial Resources

National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area (NKF/NCA)
Provides free medical identification jewelry and financial assistance to cover a variety of kidney patient needs living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
1-202-244-7900

ESRD Network

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

District Run Programs

DC Dept. of Healthcare Finance DC Medicaid
1-202-442-5988

  • Adult Programs: A health care program that pays for medical services for qualified people. It helps pay for medical services for low-income and disabled people.
  • Programs for Children: DC Healthy Families (SCHIP) provides FREE health insurance to uninsured children under age 19 and their parents/guardians.

Health Reform Status

Exchange: The District will run its own health insurance exchange.

Medicaid: The state will expand Medicaid eligibility.

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