The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is a top-rated non-profit organization that supports kidney health awareness, education, and prevention, as well as provides financial assistance to kidney patients through grant programs. In the past, the AKF has assisted those needing aid with health insurance coverage, disaster relief support, and prescription drug costs. 

On July 27, 2020, the AKF made an exciting announcement about a program—the Post-Transplant Testing Program—whose goal is to provide financial assistance to low-income kidney recipients post-transplant.* 

Why is post-transplant assistance necessary? 

Unfortunately, kidney disease is not cured with a transplant. A transplanted kidney does about 40% to 85% of the work of two working kidneys. In addition, a person’s body may reject the new kidney, which is a primary concern. One out of 10 kidney transplant recipients will have rejection symptoms, which may improve with medication. 

For transplant recipients, immunosuppressive drugs are taken to help prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney, but even then, there is still a chance of transplant rejection. Identifying rejection early is key.  

The transplanted kidney releases the donor’s DNA fragments into the recipient’s blood, which can be identified in blood tests. These sophisticated blood tests may find early signs of rejection or injury to the transplanted kidney. Sadly, these tests are expensive and may not be affordable for everyone. 

The AKF’s Post-Transplant Testing Program helps to ensure qualified patients receive these diagnostic tests if they are unable to afford the expenses associated with them. 

What are the eligibility requirements?  

1.     Up to 10 years post-transplant 
2.   Annual income up to 400% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
3.   Out-of-pocket costs associated with the blood test 

How can you apply?

All grant requests must be submitted online at gms.kidneyfund.org by the patient, designated caregiver, or renal professional. Grants will be provided as a direct deposit or check directly to the patient. One annual grant of up to $1,200 will be allotted. 

For more information on this program and others, head to the AKF’s page, “Kidney patient financial assistance.” You can learn more about life after a transplant on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Transplant Living website.

*American Kidney Fund. (2020, July 27). American Kidney Fund Adds Financial Assistance Program for Post-Transplant Testing for Low-income Patients [Press release].