When Does Medicare Become Primary With ESRD?
Medicare becomes primary for ESRD patients after a 30-month coordination period. During the first 30 months, your employer group health plan (if you have one) pays first and Medicare is secondary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the 30-month coordination period?
- It's the first 30 months of Medicare ESRD eligibility during which your employer plan pays primary and Medicare pays secondary.
- What if I don't have employer coverage?
- If you don't have employer group health coverage, Medicare pays as your primary coverage from the start of your ESRD eligibility.
- Does this apply to kidney transplant patients?
- Yes. The coordination period applies to ESRD from either dialysis or kidney transplant. Medicare covers immunosuppressive drugs under certain conditions.