Eligibility and Enrollment in Medicare for End-Stage Renal Disease


Most people know that Medicare is health insurance designed for people 65 and over, or under 65 with certain disabilities.  What a number of people don’t realize is that Medicare also covers individuals at any age who have End-Stage Renal disease, or ESRD (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

In order to receive Medicare coverage for ESRD, if you need regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.  To be eligible to receive Medicare Part A, you or your spouse (or your parent, if you are a dependent child) need to have worked the required time under Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board, or as a government employee, or you need to be getting or eligible for Social Security, Office of Personnel Management, or Railroad Retirement benefits. You are eligible for Part B if you get Part A.    

To enroll in Medicare due to ESRD, visit your local Social Security office or call them at 1-800-772-1213.  Remember, you must sign up for Medicare Parts A and B in order to receive ESRD coverage.  It’s a good idea to apply for Part B at the same time as Part A to avoid any late penalties. 


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