Organ transplants

Organ transplants

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

 covers:

  • Doctors’ services associated with heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, intestine, and liver organ transplants.
  • Cornea transplants, in certain conditions.
  • Immunosuppressive (or “transplant”) drugs, in certain conditions, associated with Medicare-covered transplants.
     
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

covers:

  • Services for heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, intestine, and liver organ transplants, in certain conditions.
  • Necessary tests, labs, and exams.
  • Immunosuppressive (or “transplant”) drugs, in certain conditions, follow-up care, and procurement of organs
  • Stem cell transplants, in certain conditions.
Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay:

  • 20% of the  Medicare-approved amount  for your doctor's services, and the Part B  Deductible [glossary] applies.
  • Various costs for transplant facility charges.
  • Nothing for a living donor for a kidney transplant.
  • Nothing for Medicare-certified laboratory tests. 

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • Whether your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service
Things to know

Organ transplants must be performed in Medicare-approved facilities. Stem cell and cornea transplants aren’t limited to Medicare-approved transplant centers.

Note

If you have a problem with the care that you’re getting for your transplant or with getting a referral for a transplant work-up, you have the right to file a complaint (grievance).
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