Children with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can qualify for ESRD Medicare if one of their parents has worked and paid taxes for a sufficient period of time. Your child is eligible for ESRD Medicare if you or your spouse:
- Have earned at least six credits of work history within the last three years by working and paying federal payroll taxes
- Or, are eligible for or receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits
Additionally, your child must either need regular dialysis because their kidneys no longer work or have had a kidney transplant. Someone is considered a child if they are:
- Unmarried and age 21 or younger
- Age 22 to 25 (and receive some support from their parents)
- Or, an adult dependent child (a child determined disabled before age 22)
Coverage of ESRD treatment for children works the same as it does for adults. For more information or to enroll your child in ESRD Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213.