Does Medicare cover dialysis?
Yes — dialysis is one of the few conditions for which Medicare is available at any age. But coverage is not the whole cost picture, and the first 30 months of employer coverage have their own rules.
Who qualifies
People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) qualify for Medicare regardless of age once they begin regular dialysis (or receive a kidney transplant). Coverage usually starts the first day of the month dialysis begins, or earlier if you start a home-dialysis training programme. People with a kidney transplant also qualify. People 65+ qualify on age alone as usual.
The 30-month coordination period
If you have employer group health coverage when you become eligible, that plan pays first for 30 months, with Medicare as secondary payer. After that, Medicare becomes primary. If you are already on Medicare when you start dialysis, Medicare remains primary. This rule trips up many newly diagnosed patients — check with the employer plan and a benefits advisor before cancelling coverage.
What Medicare pays
Part B covers dialysis treatments and related services at 80% of the approved amount after the annual deductible; you pay the other 20% with no cap unless you have Medigap, Medicaid (for those who qualify) or an employer plan covering the balance. Dialysis is expensive enough that the 20% matters — look into Medigap or state programmes for ESRD patients. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover dialysis, with network rules.
Home dialysis and training
Medicare covers home-dialysis training, the equipment and supplies, and support services for both peritoneal dialysis and home haemodialysis. Training is usually provided by the dialysis facility; ask which facilities in this directory offer peritoneal dialysis and home haemodialysis training (both are recorded on each facility page).
Transplants and travel
Medicare covers kidney-transplant evaluation, the transplant and immunosuppressive drugs (Part B covers most immunosuppressants for life). Dialysis while travelling is possible — plan ahead and ask facilities about transient/visitor slots.
{faq([ ("Can I get Medicare before 65 if I need dialysis?", "Yes. End-stage renal disease qualifies you for Medicare at any age once you start regular dialysis or " "have a kidney transplant."), ("How much of dialysis does Medicare pay?", "Part B pays 80% of the approved amount after the deductible; you are responsible for the 20% unless " "Medigap, Medicaid or other coverage fills it."), ("What is the 30-month coordination period?", "If you have employer group health coverage when ESRD Medicare starts, that plan pays first for 30 " "months and Medicare is secondary until the period ends."), ])}Written and maintained by the US Dialysis Centers data team · last reviewed 2026-10-24 · sources and methodology.