Insurance questions are at the top of the list of many people dealing with kidney disease treatment decisions and choices. Below are some organizations and resources that specialize and support individuals in understanding insurance regulations:

www.cahealthadvocates.org/HICAP
Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) -- is administered by the CA Department on Aging and provides direct assistance to consumers already on Medicare or trying to select Medicare or a Long Term Care Insurance plan: 1-800-434-0222.

www.cms.hhs.gov
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid -- This site is provided by the Dept. of Health & Human Services. Everything pertaining to Medicare and Medicaid is here -- as well as SCHIP, low-cost health insurance.
Site Tools & Resources page: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/tools.asp
Links to State Departments of Health: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/contacts/default.asp?cboState=all&cboContactType=2&optSrchType=0&cboOrgType=AY&txtOrgName=&submit1=Show+Contacts

www.medicare.gov
Official Site for People With Medicare -- Provides info on all Medicare health plans, prescription drug plans, eligibility and coverage information.
Link to general Medicare Coverage page: http://www.medicare.gov/Coverage/Home.asp
Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services -- a 63-page document specifically dedicated to coverage for kidney patients: www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/esrdcoverage.pdf

www.cahealthadvocates.org
California Health Advocates -- dedicated to Medicare advocacy and education for Californians. This web site provides accurate, unbiased information about Medicare benefits for people who live in California and resources for professionals working directly with California's Medicare beneficiaries.
Main office phone: (916) 231-5110