Enrolling in Medicare - Kidney Dialysis or Kidney Transplant Patients

1. How Do I Sign up for Medicare Part A & B if I am a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient?

   If you are eligible for Medicare because of End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure), you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B by calling or visiting your local Social Security Office or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Enrolling in Medicare Part B is your choice. However, you will need both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B in order for Medicare to cover certain dialysis and kidney transplant services.

2. I am over age 65 (or disabled). I have Medicare Part A but do not have Medicare Part B. Now that I have End Stage Renal Disease, can I sign up for Medicare Part B?

   Yes. You can enroll in Medicare Part B without paying a higher premium rate if you enroll in Medicare based on End Stage Renal Disease. Call or visit your local Social Security Office or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to enroll in Medicare based on End Stage Renal Disease.

3. I am over age 65 (or disabled). I am paying a higher Medicare Part B premium because I did not enroll in Medicare Part B when I was first eligible. Now that I have End Stage Renal Disease, do I need to continue to pay the higher Medicare Part B premium?

   No. In order to stop paying the higher premium rate and begin paying the base premium rate, you must enroll in Medicare based on End Stage Renal Disease. Call or visit your local Social Security Office or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to enroll in Medicare based on End Stage Renal Disease.

To learn more about who is eligible, what is covered, and how to apply, read the brochure: Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services

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