Question about Medicare Part A

[kellyt]

Who is eligible?  Does you and your spouses income play a part with eligibility?
When do you apply?  When you start dialysis or sooner?

Thanks
Kelly ~*

[boxman55]

Kellyt, Please track down your social worker at the center you are or will be going to. They can explain all and get you signed up. To answer one question, yes you have had to start dialysis to be accepted....Boxman

[Rerun]

There is a three month waiting period for Medicare unless you are already 65 or if you are going to do home dialysis; then it is immediate.

http://www.medicare.gov/Library/PDFNavigation/PDFInterim.asp?Language=English&Type=Pub&PubID=10128

[KT0930]

Eligibility is determined by age (65 or over) or disability (ESRD on dialysis), not income. Income is used only for determining how much you'll pay (I don't know if both are used) or if you qualify for Medicaid. As boxman said, track down your social worker, he or she will be able to answer these questions and help get you signed up if you qualify.

[kellyt]

I haven't really gotten as far as a "social worker" yet.  So far, just the fistula.  I haven't even begun my transplant evaluation yet.  But at least I know now to check into it.
I'm definitely not eligible for Medicaid. 

Thanks again!

[dialysisbiller]

You become eligible when you are diagnosed with ESRD and have you first dialysis treatment or 'FDOD' first date of dialysis. You will fill out a form 2728 that is submitted to Medicare, you will have a COB which it determined by a few different variables to see when medicare will become primary. Dialysis is part A however you must have Part B in order for medicare to cover dialysis.