End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

If you have End-Stage Renal Disease, you usually can’t join a Medicare Health Plan (like an HMO or PPO). There are exceptions:

• If you are already in a plan, you can stay in that plan or join another plan offered by the same company.
• If you are already in a plan and the plan leaves Medicare or no longer provides coverage in your area, you have a one-time right to join another plan.
• If you have had a successful kidney transplant, you may be able to join a plan.
• If you live in an area where there is a Medicare Special Needs plan for people with ESRD, you can join that plan.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information.