Medicare With ESRD: How Kidney Disease Changes Your Eligibility
ESRD qualifies you for Medicare at any age. Coverage usually starts the 4th month of dialysis (earlier with home dialysis training). If you have employer coverage, it pays first for 30 months, then Medicare becomes primary.
When This Applies
- You or a family member has been diagnosed with ESRD
- You are starting dialysis or need a kidney transplant
- You have employer coverage and ESRD
- You want to understand the 30-month coordination period
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the 30-month period start?
- It starts when you become eligible for Medicare due to ESRD — typically the 4th month of dialysis or the month of a kidney transplant.
- What about kidney transplant coverage?
- Medicare covers kidney transplants. After a successful transplant, Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs continues under the Medicare Immunosuppressive Drug Benefit.
- Does the 20-employee rule apply?
- No. For ESRD, the employer size threshold is 100 employees — employers with 100+ must offer primary coverage for the 30-month period.