DALTON, Ga.—Sen. Don Thomas, (R-Dalton) introduced legislation that would help pay for dialysis and drugs needed after a kidney transplant.
Currently, Medicare cover the cost of dialysis and transplant medications to people over age 65 and people under 65 who meet certain requirements. Those over age 65 can purchase Medigap insurance to cover costs not covered by Medicare; however, individuals under 65 aren’t eligible to purchase the secondary insurance and must pay out of pocket unless they also qualify for Medicaid.
“We want to allow the insurance companies to offer them insurance. We don’t mandate any costs or anything,” said Thomas. “We just say that those who have had kidney transplants, for instance, can buy insurance at whatever rate the insurance company establishes.”
