Medicare coverage for permanent renal failure
Federal government funding in the United States that pays for medical treatment for people of any age who have END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD), also called permanent RENAL FAILURE. Though for other health conditions an individual must be age 65 or older to qualify for Medicare coverage, the US Congress in 1973 passed legislation broadening Medicare coverage to include care for ESRD at any age. There are specific eligibility requirements and co-payments. Health-care providers that offer care for ESRD have information about the application and approval processes. The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site (www.cms.hhs.gov) also provides comprehensive information about eligibility and covered services.
See also KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION; QUALITY OF LIFE; RENAL DIALYSIS.
