Original Medicare

[watercube]

Greetings,

What will be the dialysis out-of-pocket cost per treatment/week/month in either MD or NC, if I only have original Medicare Part A and B coverage. Like, current medicare-approved amount. I am at 79.

Any information is greatly appreciate.

[Simon Dog]

Approximately $60 per treatment, plus 20% of the supervising MDs charges.

[watercube]

Thanks for your quick reply.

One more question: how much roughly will be for 20% of the supervising MDs charges?

I am thinking if I should buy a medigap plan to cover this all. But people told me I might get denied due to ESRD and the age.

[Simon Dog]

Not sure, but I think the supervising MD gets a few hundred a month from Medicare patients.    I know they get about $8 per treatment to supervise a transient patient, so you'll be on the hook for an extra $2 if you have a non-local treatment.

The social worker in your clinic should be a great resource for Medigap info, including what policies will accept ESRD patients at your age.

[watercube]

Thanks a lot for all great information!

Wish allowing to enroll Medicare Advantage Plan could be sooner. But it will be starting in 2021. I guess I won't survive that long :-(

[Simon Dog]

Be sure to check with all your docs before enrolling in Medicare Advantage.    Many docs do not talk all MA plans.   My primary doc has notified his patients that he only takes one particular MA plan.

[kickingandscreaming]

All of my docs accept Medicare Advantage. (and I have a lot of them).  I'm glad I have it.  MediGap would. be good if you can get it.

[Hootie]

You can buy a Medigap policy in most states if you are on original medicare. Its a little pricey but in my opinion its worth it if you have no other insurance. Rates go down when you turn 65.
In Georgia United HealthCare is the better deal going. We paid zero out of pocket when the wife was on dialysis. She got her transplant in December 2016 and all is well.