Grants for People on Dialysis

The lives of patients on dialysis revolve around their treatment, when machines clear the body of wastes instead of the kidneys. Because dialysis is both expensive and time-consuming, patients may find themselves in need of financial assistance to pay for related needs such as medications. Grants for eligible patients are available, helping to ease some of the burden during kidney dialysis.

Safety Net Grants

• The American Kidney Fund sponsors safety net grants to help patients undergoing dialysis pay for treatment. Grants may be used for transportation to and from treatment centers, insurance co-payments, prescription and over-the-counter medications, costs of dialysis if traveling for family or medical emergencies and disaster relief assistance. Considered "last resort" funding, no expenses covered by patients' insurance qualify. Actual costs of dialysis are ineligible, as are any medical or doctors' bills. Patients must prove financial need to qualify.

The Kidney Trust

• The Kidney Trust's financial assistance program provides grants up to $1,000 for eligible dialysis patients to help pay for deductibles, insurance and co-pays for their treatment. Only patients residing in Virginia, Texas, California, Maryland, Washington D.C. or Colorado may apply. Grants are good for a six-month period. Besides being on dialysis, patients have a household income no greater than 500 percent of the federal poverty level. All patients must have valid Social Security numbers, as well as enrollment in an employee-sponsored health insurance or COBRA plan.

Chronic Renal Disease Grants

• Delaware residents with end-stage renal disease may qualify for these state grants, once funding from other sources, such as private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, is exhausted. Patients must be on dialysis or diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, and income and assets cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants cover medications, including over-the-counter and prescription items. Certain physician-approved nutritional supplements are included, as well as transportation to and from treatment centers or hospitals. Actual treatment or medical bills are ineligible.

Kidney and Urology Foundation of America, Inc.

• This foundation offers scholarships to young patients with kidney disease, and also awards patient emergency grants for those suffering end-stage renal disease. These small grants are limited to $100 per patient annually, for emergency situations only. The patient's social worker must fill out and justify the application. Situations relating to recurrent and chronic conditions are ineligible.