The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA

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January 28, 2010

Bill could help dialysis, transplant patients

Charles Oliver

Thousands of Georgians could get help paying for dialysis and drugs needed after a kidney transplant if a bill sponsored by state Sen. Don Thomas, R-Dalton, becomes law.

Under current law, people over the age of 65 as well as people under 65 who meet certain requirements can get Medicare to cover the costs of dialysis and transplant medications. Those over 65 can also purchase private “Medigap” insurance to cover deductibles, co-pays and other costs not borne by Medicare. But those who are under 65 aren’t eligible to purchase that secondary insurance. They must pay out of pocket unless they also qualify for Medicaid, the program that provides medical coverage for low-income people.

“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.”

Dr. David Newby, a Dalton physician who specializes in kidney diseases, said the bill “has the potential to affect a lot of people” in Northwest Georgia.

“I have a fair number of people who are eligible for Medicare but have a very hard time getting the secondary coverage,” he said.

Newby said 29 other states have already passed similar laws.

According to data provided by Dialysis Patient Citizens, a national nonprofit organization, some 2,000 Georgians could benefit from the bill.

Thomas said he believes the bill will pass the General Assembly.

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