The Augusta University Health Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program encourages a
financial plan for those who are considering a transplant. The high cost of post-transplant
medications and other associated transplant fees make it difficult for many to manage.
Financial Coordinators, along with a Fundraising Coordinator and Social Worker, work
together with transplant candidates to help develop a financial plan to cover post-transplant
expenses.
Financial Planning for Transplant
A financial plan is necessary prior to being considered for a transplant evaluation.
Determining a need for a financial plan is dependent upon your insurance coverage.
Upon completion of the orientation class, financial coordinators will contact your
insurance company and determine coverage for transplant surgery and post-transplant
medications. You will be notified by phone or mail about your coverage for transplant.
Depending on the coverage, you may need to be placed on a financial plan or proof
of savings plan to cover the post-transplant out-of-pocket expenses.
How do insurance companies cover transplant expenses?
- Medicare part A covers 100% for transplant surgery and Medicare part B covers 80%
toward clinic visits, doctor fees, and immunosuppressant (anti-rejection) medication
for three years after transplant (unless you have Medicare for another disability
or for age). A financial plan is usually needed for those who only have Medicare
A, B, and D.
- Medicare part D covers prescription medications, however the plan has a gap in coverage.
After the total drug costs reach $2,510, you will meet this gap in coverage and the
next $4,050 must be paid by you before Medicare will pay for any medications.
If you only have Georgia Medicaid, it covers 100% of transplant expenses; however,
Georgia Medicaid requires medical records to determine eligibility for payment which
we will assist you with submitting.
If you only have South Carolina Medicaid and are not eligible for Medicare benefits,
your insurance will not cover a transplant at Augusta University Health. As long as
you are eligible for Medicare benefits you are covered for transplant.
The fundraising coordinator will assist you and your family by providing ideas in
which your goal can be achieved; for many this is done through fundraising. The goal
may be satisfied using an existing savings account, an existing retirement account,
or through other financial means.
Financial Assistance
The Augusta University Health Transplant Coordinators work with other programs to
help you obtain your goals. Programs such as The Georgia Transplant Foundation, The National Transplant Assistance Fund, Donate Life and The National Foundation for Transplant offer services for transplant candidates, their families, and living donors.
The Access to Care program, available through The Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF),
is only available to Georgia residents. This program will match your savings dollar
per dollar up to $10,000. The fundraising coordinator can help you understand the
program and enroll. The Transplant Savings Account, also available through GTF, is
available to residents of South Carolina. The Transplant Savings Account cannot match
your fundraising deposits, but it does offer many benefits associated with the Access
to Care program.
Fundraising
Fundraising is a great way to help offset the high costs of post-transplant medications
and associated medical expenses. The fundraising coordinator has many ideas to help
you determine which fundraiser will best fit your lifestyle. Below are tips for a
successful fundraiser:
- Open a savings account designated as a transplant fund for you. Have two people you
trust open the account for you, it is best you do not have direct access to the account.
Family members, the pastor at your church, or close friends would be good choices.
- Attend a fundraising seminar.
- Make it known that you are trying to raise money for transplant expenses. Talk to
your family and friends about your savings goal. Ask for volunteers to help you raise
the money.
- Talk to your church or civic group about helping. Most churches are willing to help
their members in time of need especially for a life saving event.
- Meet with your team of volunteers. Educate them on your needs. Choose a team leader
other then yourself to coordinate the event. Decide on a fundraiser. Set a date and
time for the event. Larger events take at least 3 months to coordinate.
- Advertise your fundraiser. Talk to the media. Call around to the local paper and radio
stations to see if they will advertise it for free. Try to have as much donated as
possible.
- Send letters to friends, family, businesses, churches and civic groups asking for
donations.
- Have a donation jar available for monetary donations.
- Imagine yourself coming to the event. What would you be looking for?
- Do not spend more on the event then you expect to make. You should make at least 50%
profit on your event.
- Make sure you follow all state and federal laws when planning an event.
- Plan an event that is fun and profitable!
