How much does a kidney transplant cost out of pocket?

Asked by: Prof. Nelson Boehm  |  Last update: August 31, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (53 votes)

According to a Milliman Research Report, the estimated cost of a kidney transplant in 2020 before insurance is $442,500 in the United States. The cost breakdown is as follows. Pre-transplant medical care needs to refer to the 30 days following the transplant procedure.

Does insurance cover a kidney transplant?

The good news is that your social worker, transplant center and financial counselor will be able to guide you through the process. Private insurance typically will cover most of the cost of the transplant itself and many plans will also help cover the cost of medications.

How much money do I need for a kidney transplant?

Consulting firm Milliman tallies the average costs of different organ transplants in the U.S. And while most are expensive—some are very expensive. A kidney transplant runs just over $400,000. The cost for the average heart transplant, on the other hand, can approach $1.4 million.

How much does a kidney transplant cost in 2023?

Kidney transplant estimated at $442,500 for the entire process, including surgeon fees and drugs.

At what age will they no longer do a kidney transplant?

What is the best age for kidney transplant? While most kidney transplant recipients are between the ages of 45 and 65, there really is no upper age limit. However, to ensure the best results, your healthcare provider will likely look for a donor who is close to your own age.

Kidney donation and transplant requirements

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Is kidney transplant cheaper than dialysis?

Based on the study findings, the researchers conclude that transplantation is not only life changing for patients with chronic kidney disease, improving both quality of life and long-term survival, but is also beneficial for wider society as it is associated with lower costs than dialysis.

Does insurance pay for anti-rejection drugs?

If you have a group health plan (GHP: job-based, retiree, or COBRA coverage), your plan should cover your immunosuppressants during the 30-month coordination period. Medicare is secondary during this period. After 30 months, Medicare will become your primary insurance, and Part D should cover your immunosuppressants.

Why do most kidney transplants fail?

Chronic Rejection

This is the most common reason that kidney transplants fail.

Where is the cheapest place to get a kidney transplant?

India – good medical services for a low cost

People travel to get quality treatment for lower prices. Kidney transplantation in India costs $10,000-15,000 cheaper than in the west, even including the cost of the visa, flight and accommodation.

Does Social Security pay for kidney transplant?

If you require an organ transplant (heart, lung, kidney, liver, or bone marrow/stem cell) or are now recovering from such a procedure, then you automatically qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

How can I get a kidney transplant faster?

There are different kinds of donated kidneys – some with shorter wait times. It will be your job to choose which of these kidneys you're willing to take – being open to more than 1 kind may make your wait shorter. Each donated kidney has a KDPI (Kidney Donor Profile Index) score.

Will Medicare pay for a kidney transplant?

If you have Original Medicare, you'll pay 20% of the Medicare- approved amount for all covered dialysis related services. Medicare will pay the remaining 80%. If you need a kidney transplant, Medicare will pay the full cost of care for your kidney donor. You pay nothing for Medicare-approved laboratory tests.

Does kidney transplant qualify for disability?

Those who received an organ transplant will qualify for disability benefits for 12 months following their transplant. After 12 months, the SSA will reevaluate the claim. If a recipient is still too ill to be able to work, they may be able to continue to receive disability benefits.

What excludes you from kidney transplant?

Exclusion. You may not be eligible to receive a kidney transplant due to: The presence of some other life-threatening disease or condition that would not improve with transplantation. This could include certain cancers, infections that cannot be treated or cured, or severe, uncorrectable heart disease.

What happens to old kidneys after transplant?

First, an incision (cut) is made in your lower abdomen (tummy), through which the donated kidney is put into place. Your own kidneys will usually be left where they are, unless they're causing problems such as pain or infection. Second, nearby blood vessels are attached to the blood vessels of the donated kidney.

Why don't they take out the old kidney transplant?

The new kidney is placed in the low abdomen and groin area and not in the natural place for your kidneys. Removing the old kidneys is very risky and should not be done unless there is uncontrolled infection, high blood pressure, or the kidneys are markedly enlarged such as with polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Can kidney rejection be stopped?

Fifteen percent or less of patients who receive a deceased donor kidney transplant will have an episode of acute rejection. When treated early, it is reversible in most cases.

How long a person can live after kidney transplant?

A living donor kidney functions, on average, 12 to 20 years, and a deceased donor kidney from 8 to 12 years. Patients who get a kidney transplant before dialysis live an average of 10 to 15 years longer than if they stayed on dialysis.

How long after kidney transplant do you get Medicare?

There's a separate 30-month coordination period each time you sign up for Medicare based on permanent kidney failure. For example, if you get a kidney transplant that continues to work for 36 months, your Medicare coverage will end (unless you have Medicare based on your age or disability).

How much do anti-rejection drugs cost per month?

Antirejection medications are critical in maintaining the transplanted organ. During the first year after transplant, anti-rejection drugs can cost from $1,500 to 1,800 per month. After the first year, the costs are reduced significantly.

Who pays for organ transplants?

Insurance or the people who receive the organ donation pay those costs. However, the donor's family is still responsible for any costs associated with medical care at the end of life, and funeral and burial arrangements.

Do you live longer on dialysis or kidney transplant?

Studies show that people with kidney transplants live longer than those who remain on dialysis. Having a kidney transplant does not “cure” kidney disease. There are also risks, including the risks of surgery.

Do you still need dialysis after kidney transplant?

Your new kidney may start working very soon after surgery, or it may take a few weeks. If your kidney doesn't start to work right away, you'll need to have dialysis until the new kidney can take over. Having an organ transplant can bring up many emotions. You may feel grateful and happy.

Which kidney is better for transplant?

A left donor kidney will be implanted on your right side; a right donor kidney will be implanted on your left side. This allows the ureter to be accessed easily for connection to your bladder. The renal artery and vein of the donor kidney will be sewn to the external iliac artery and vein.