Arkansas

Arkansas

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 3,399

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

Legislative session: January 14 - April 17, 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.

Arkansas Dialysis Patient Resources

Patient Support and Financial Resources

Arkansas Kidney Disease Commission
The program provides medical, dental and prescription assistance to residents of Arkansas who have End Stage Renal Disease or Kidney Disease.

A non-Medicaid, completely state-funded program for persons who have End Stage Renal Disease or have received a kidney transplant.  The only requirements to enroll in this program are: the recipient must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of the state of Arkansas, and they must meet financial need.   Patients in the program receive financial assistance for three prescriptions per month, for a maximum amount of $5,000.  Program participants also receive infection-free dental care for patients awaiting transplantation, as well as patient education.  Patients should find and complete all the necessary documentation through their social worker at the dialysis clinic they currently utilize.

1-501-686-2807

ESRD Network

#13 ESRD Network
4200 Perimeter Center Drive Suite 102
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-2314

Main Phone Number: 1.405.942.6000
Patients Use Only (Toll-free): 1.800.472.8664
Facility Staff Emergency Use Only: 1.877.700.1196

State-Run Programs

Arkansas Medicaid
1-501-682-8501
1-800-482-5431

  • Adult Programs: Medicaid is a program that helps pay for medically necessary medical services for needy and low-income persons.
  • Programs for Children: ARKids First health insurance provides two coverage options for more than 70,000 Arkansas children who otherwise might have gone without.
  • Additional Programs: Healthcare Access Foundation, Inc.  Is a statewide volunteer health care program which was developed to help low-income, medically uninsured Arkansans gain access to non-emergency medical care.

Health Reform Status:

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

Medicaid: The state will expand Medicaid eligibility.

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