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The financial impact of immunosuppressant expenses on new kidney transplant recipients * ,†
Author(s) -
Gordon Elisa J.,
Prohaska Thomas R.,
Sehgal Ashwini R.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2008.00869.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immunosuppression , transplantation , kidney transplant , kidney transplantation , socioeconomic status , adverse effect , finance , intensive care medicine , environmental health , population , business
Background: This study aimed to examine kidney transplant recipients’ ability to afford transplant‐related out‐of‐pocket expenses and the financial impact of these expenses on their lives. Patients and methods: This cross‐sectional study involved 77 kidney recipients. Variables analyzed were: ability to afford daily necessities; impact of immunosuppressant expenses on patients’ lives; awareness of Medicare support terminating three yr post‐transplant; and strategies used to pay for out‐of‐pocket transplant expenses. The Economic Strain Scale measured financial strain. Results: Twenty‐nine percent of kidney recipients experienced financial strain. Poor, less educated, and younger patients were more likely to report financial strain. Out‐of‐pocket expenses relating to kidney transplantation adversely affected patients’ ability to afford leisure activities (35%), a house (27%), and a car (26%). Thirty‐one percent reported that immunosuppressant expenses have had somewhat to great (adverse) impact on their lives. Of those on Medicare and not disabled (n = 41), 51% were unaware Medicare coverage will terminate and 71% did not know how long coverage lasts. Conclusions: Financial strain presents a considerable risk to kidney recipients’ ability to purchase immunosuppression. Socioeconomic disparities in recipients’ financial strain may be a source of disparities in graft survival. Transplant professionals should better inform transplant candidates about financial consequences of transplantation.