ESRD is a complete or almost complete failure of the kidneys. Kidney function is so low that without dialysis or a kidney transplant the complications are multiple and severe. Death occurs from an accumulation of fluids and waste products in the body.
Patients face large health care costs. The monthly cost of having dialysis in Missoula is around $8,500, or about $102,000 per year. Outpatient medications and other medical costs pile up on top of that.
The Montana ESRD program, which has been funded each year with $100,000, provides financial support to the neediest patients. That support will run out around March, leaving patients without financial support for the rest of the year.
A new income tax check-off box on state income tax forms can help provide money to the Montana ESRD program.
The Montana program hopes to get donations of at least $10,000. If that amount isn't reached, the option will be removed from the tax forms.
It's not the answer to ESRD funding problems, but it is a chance to provide much-needed funds to Montanans who are in dire need, said Cindy Schaumberg of the St. Patrick Hospital Dialysis Center.
You can help
An income tax check-off box on state tax forms gives Montanans the option of directly contributing money to the Montana End Stage Renal Disease program. The contribution will help needy patients afford expensive treatments to treat their kidney failure.
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