Does Medicare Cover Dialysis For Acute Renal Failure?

Medicare covers dialysis for beneficiaries with end stage renal disease (ESRD), the final stage of acute renal failure. 

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) can help pay for your dialysis Medicare costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance, copays and more.

Medicare typically covers dialysis for beneficiaries with ESRD.

When Does Medicare Pay for Kidney Dialysis?

Medicare coverage for your kidney dialysis may depend partly on your age.

• If a Medicare beneficiary is age 65 or older, dialysis is available immediately.

• If the beneficiary is under 65, Medicare will pay for dialysis starting the first day of the fourth month of treatments. Waiting periods may apply to those under the age of 65. 

You must receive services and supplies from Medicare-approved facilities, doctors and vendors for dialysis to be covered by Medicare.

Medicare patients under age 65 can qualify for home dialysis, and services will be covered by Medicare from the first month of treatment.

There are three requirements for home dialysis:

1. The beneficiary takes part in a home dialysis training program in a Medicare-approved training facility

2. The beneficiary begins training before the third month of dialysis treatments

3. The beneficiary expects to do dialysis treatments in the home

How Much Does Dialysis for Acute Renal Failure Cost With Medicare?

Even if your dialysis for ESRD is covered by Medicare, there are some costs you should expect to pay out of pocket, including:

• Medicare Part A deductible, which is $1,632 per benefit period in 2024

• Medicare Part B deductible, which is $240 per year in 2024

• Medicare Part A coinsurance, which is structured as follows in 2024:

  • $0 for days 1-60 spent in a hospital

  • $408 for days 61-90 

  • $816 per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period 

  • all costs beyond lifetime reserve days

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) can help cover some of these out-of-pocket costs. There are 30 states that mandate Medigap plan availability to recipients younger than 65 who have ESRD.

Find Medicare Supplement Plans That Help Cover Your Dialysis Costs

Each of the 10 standardized Medigap plans that are available in most states provide at least partial coverage for the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments you might face when you receive covered renal dialysis treatments.

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and compare the Medigap plans that are available where you live.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.