Medicare.gov

Kidney transplants (children)

Medicare covers different items and services related to children’s (pediatric) kidney transplants

  • Covered by Part A
  • Covered by Part B

  • Costs vary depending on your situation

Coverage details

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) usually covers these transplant services:

  • Inpatient services in an approved hospital
  • Kidney registry fee
  • Laboratory and other tests to evaluate your child’s medical condition and the condition of possible kidney donors
  • The costs of finding the proper kidney for your child’s transplant surgery
  • The full cost of care for your child’s kidney donor
  • Blood (if a transfusion is needed)

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)  covers these transplant services:

  • Doctors’ services for kidney transplant surgery
  • Doctors’ services for the kidney donor during their hospital stay
  • Blood (if a transfusion is needed)

Part B also overs compounded immunosuppressive drugs (including transplant drugs) in certain circumstances, if Medicare helped pay for your child's transplant.

If your child has End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) , you can choose either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan when deciding how to get Medicare coverage. If your child is in a Medicare Advantage Plan, what you pay may be different. Learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans if your child has ESRD.

Who's eligible

Medicare covers kidney transplants for children if your child has Medicare and ESRD. Find out if your child is eligible for Medicare.

Costs

  • Inpatient hospital services — Part A usually pays for these services after you pay a deductible .
  • Part B-covered services — After you pay the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the  Medicare-approved amount .
  • If your child has other insurance, your costs may be different.

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.

Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.

Specific amounts you could owe depend on:

  • Other insurance you may have

  • How much your doctor charges

  • If your doctor accepts assignment

  • The type of facility

  • Where you get your test, item, or service

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