Financial Resources
Financial, Insurance and Vocational Resources
Pro-bono Dental Help Article (PDF* - 80 kb)
TRIO Scholarship Program
Each year, TRIOs Scholarship Program gives thousands of dollars in academic grants to members and their families. In the past 12 years TRIO has awarded approximately 70 scholarships to deserving students who are transplant candidates, recipients, donors or their family members. These scholarships are generously funded by several TRIO chapters, individuals and interested organizations. Each recipient receives $1,000 toward their education at colleges and universities throughout the United States.
The application deadline for 2007 TRIO Scholarships is June 30, 2007. Click here to download an application
This program helps students make the dream of college a reality. Can you help make this happen? TRIO encourages you to consider contributing to this program.
Your Transplant Hospital Social Worker and Financial Counselor
These professionals can find access to financial, insurance and pharmaceutical assistance; fund raising organizations; emergency air transportation; hotel and lodging assistance near the hospital; Medicare; and other assistance programs.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
A number of states have programs, with specific financial eligibility guidelines, that offer assistance with outpatient medications to persons with disabilities or senior citizens. Contact your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office to see if any programs are available in your state.
A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare
This booklet covers what Medicare pays and doesn’t pay, 10 standard Medigap insurance plans, your right to Medigap insurance, and tips on shopping for private health insurance. Developed jointly by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Call 800-638-6833 for a free copy.
Local NKF Affiliates
NKF local offices may provide small grants of varying amounts to recipients in need. To locate the NKF affiliate office serving your geographic area call 800-622-9010 or click here.
State Kidney Programs
Approximately 25 states have programs that offer assistance for kidney transplant or dialysis patients with outpatient medications and other expenses. To find out if your state has such a program, contact the National Organization for State Kidney Programs at 800-733-7345.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
NKF is pleased to announce that it has joined the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a new nationwide campaign that helps people get the prescription medicines they need. Call or visit their web site to learn whether you may be eligible for one or more patient assistance programs. They provide "one stop shopping" for patients that may not be able to afford or are having difficulty paying for their medication.
1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) www.pparx.org
Medicaid (MediCal, Access) and other state financial programs
Depending on your income and assets, you may be eligible for medical care and insurance through your state or county department of social service office. Benefits and eligibility criteria vary from state to state. State Social Service Departments can review your eligibility to receive help from programs (QMB and SLMB) to help you afford Medicare premiums and co-payments.
Veterans Administration
If you are a veteran, are treated by a V.A. physician, and meet income and other eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for low-cost prescriptions and follow-up care. Call 877-222-8387.
Patient Services Incorporated
Helps recipients and ESRD patients with the cost of medical co-pays. Call 800-366-7741 or visit www.uneedpsi.org.
Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
The pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the transplant medications prescribed by your physician may have programs to help you obtain the medications free or at a reduced cost. Most of these programs assist individuals on a temporary basis and require you to meet income guidelines. Three Web sites are available to help you determine if an assistance program is available for your medication—www.phrma.org, www.needymeds.comand www.Rxassist.org. Your health care professional (nurse, social worker or physician) is required to submit an application on your behalf. www.benefitscheck.com may also help.
American Kidney Fund (AKF)
Kidney patients can apply for financial assistance through nephrology social workers in dialysis and transplant facilities. AKF can be reached at 800-638-8299 or www.akfinc.org.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
If you believe your illness will prevent you from working for a year or longer, contact your local Social Security Administration office to apply for disability. Visit www.ssa.govor call 800-772-1213 for information, to file a claim or to request publications. If you are not collecting Medicare already due to your age or diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease, you will be eligible for Medicare after collecting 24 social security disability (SSDI) checks. If eligible for SSI, many states include the Medicaid benefit.
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
If you become too ill to work, you may be eligible to continue your group health plan for 29 months if you can prove you were disabled while still working. You will be responsible for the full premium cost. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees or you are not eligible for other reasons, you may be eligible for your state’s program of benefit continuation. If you become divorced or widowed and your coverage was through your former spouse, your benefits can continue for 36 months. Call 800-998-7543 for a booklet describing benefits.
Comprehensive Health Insurance Programs (CHIPS)
Some states have an insurance program for persons with catastrophic illnesses. Premiums may be high and there may be a waiting list. To find out what is available in your state, meet with an independent insurance broker, or in some areas the insurance commissioner in your state’s capitol is helpful.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
This legislation includes protections for working Americans and their families who have pre-existing medical conditions and are covered under a group plan. Contact the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission at 800-669-3362.
Taking Control: Money Matters For People With Chronic Kidney Disease
People affected by CKD and their family members encounter many financial challenges associated with having a chronic illness. This bookelt is designed to provide individuals with stage 5 CKD (dialysis and transplant) the information they need to help them negotiate fainancial matters, such as paying for treatment for kidney failure, understanding what Medicare pays for, emloyer group health plans, prescription drug coverage and other relevant money matters.
Taking Control: Money Matters For People With Chronic Kidney Disease, published 2005 by National Endowment for Financial Education and the National Kidney Foundation #01-10-0250 (72 page book - by topic and chapter - also available in hard copy by calling 800-622-9010)
Chapter 1: Understanding Costs (PDF* 2.4MB)
Chapter 2: Keeping Health Insurance Coverage (PDF* 3.5MB)
Chapter 3: What Medicare, Medicgap, Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs Can Pay for (PDF* 5.4MB)
Chapter 4: How Social Security Can Help (PDF* 1MB)
Chapter 5: More Sources of Financial Help (PDF* 4MB)
Chapter 6: Definitely Yes! Going to School, Working and Traveling (PDF* 4MB)
Chapter 7: A Summary of Helpful Programs and Financial Resources (PDF* 3.5MB)
What Every Patient Needs to Know is a comprehensive guide to assistance programs, insurance and financing issues. Call 888-894-6361 to request a free copy or download it from www.unos.org/resources/productCatalog.asp .Finances are also mentioned under the "Before the Transplant" section on www.transplantliving.org.
Employment Resources
Effective Strategies for Improving Employment Outcomes for People with Chronic Kidney Disease; 27th Institute on Rehabilitation Issues
University of Arkansas - RRCEP
Region 6 - Rehabilitation Continuing Education Center
PO Box 1358 , 105 Reserve, Bldg. #35
Hot Springs , AR 71902
501-623-7700
www.rcep6.org/IRI_Publications.htm
This publication can assist in working with rehabilitation services agencies for all transplant recipients, not only kidney.
Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council
800-468-7777
www.lifeoptions.org
Life Options is dedicated to helping people live long and live well with kidney disease. Life Options is actively engaged in research, partnering with other organizations, and offering technical support for individuals with kidney disease.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669)
www.pparx.org
NKF is pleased to announce that it has joined the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a new nationwide campaign that helps people get the prescription medicines they need. Call or visit their web site to learn whether you may be eligible for one or more patient assistance programs. They provide "one stop shopping" for patients that may not be able to afford or are having difficulty paying for their medication.
Ticket to Work
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Programs is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Ticket Program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 - legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people's decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. www.yourtickettowork.com
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
A Guide to Work, Insurance, and Finance for People on Dialysis (Life Options)
Job Accommodation Network
National Center on Accessibility
National Council on Disability
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
www.ed/gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/index.html
National Rehabilitation Information Center
U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy
Rehabilitation Services Administration
www.ed/gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/rsa.html
SSA Office of Employment Support Programs
Social Security Disability
Has information on work incentives for people who wish to return to work.
www.ssa.gov/odhome
AARP state-by-state list of Pharmacy Assistance Plans:
www.aarp.org/bulletin/prescription/statebystate.html
UNOS’ Resources about Multiple Listing and Waiting Time Transfer Available Online
To help transplant candidates and recipients learn more about specific details related to organ transplantation process, resources can be accessed online or requested in print format at no charge.
http://www.optn.org/news/newsDetail.asp?id=466
AARP state-by-state list of Pharmacy Assistance Plans:
www.aarp.org/bulletin/prescription/statebystate.html
