Phone
1-800-795-3226
Apply Online
American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund is the largest kidney nonprofit providing direct patient financial assistance in the U.S., helping more than 70,000 dialysis and transplant patients annually. Their programs are designed to keep patients insured and cover costs that insurance doesn't.
Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP)
Most Impactful
Provides grants to help eligible dialysis patients pay for health insurance premiums. In 2024, AKF provided HIPP grants to nearly 58,000 patients nationwide. There is no annual maximum grant amount once enrolled.
ESKD patients on dialysis
Income up to 500% FPL (Federal Poverty Level)
Applied through social worker or patient via gms.kidneyfund.org
Safety Net Grant Program
Dialysis & Transplant Patients
Small grants to help with healthcare expenses not covered by insurance — including transportation, over-the-counter medications, and other necessities.
Dialysis & transplant patients
Up to $175 every 6 months
Savings must be $1,000 or less
Disaster Relief Program
ESKD Patients
Disaster-Affected Areas
Emergency assistance for kidney failure patients in communities affected by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or other declared disasters — relevant for Florida patients.
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
Phone
(855) 653-2273
The National Kidney Foundation provides patient education, advocacy, and support resources for people affected by kidney disease. Their NKF Cares helpline connects patients and families with trained specialists who can answer questions and point to financial and community resources — all at no cost.
NKF Cares Patient Helpline
Free
English & Spanish
A free helpline staffed by trained specialists who can answer questions about kidney disease, connect you with peer mentors who have been through dialysis, and point you toward financial and community resources.
Patients, families & caregivers
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm ET
Phone: 855-653-2273
E-mail nkfcares@kidney.org
Financial Resources Guide
For All Patients
Free
NKF maintains a comprehensive guide covering Medicare, Social Security Disability, transportation assistance, prescription discount programs, and more — available free online.
National Kidney Foundation of Florida (NKFF)
The NKF of Florida has its own Direct Aid program specifically for Florida patients — separate from the national NKF organization. It provides grants for food, medications, transportation, and emergency housing costs. All applications must be submitted by a dialysis or transplant social worker, and NKFF considers these grants a last resort after other assistance has been explored.
Note:
All applications are submitted by a social worker on the patient's behalf.
Food Grant Program
Florida Residents
Assists eligible dialysis patients with food costs. Kidney-friendly diets often require specific low-potassium, low-phosphorus foods that carry a higher cost — this grant helps bridge that gap.
For Florida residents
Applied by social worker
Medication & Transportation Grants
Florida Residents
Separate grant programs for urgently needed medications, nutritional supplements, and transportation costs related to dialysis or transplant care — for expenses not covered by other sources.
For Dialysis & Transplant patients
For Florida residents
Applied by social worker
One-Time Emergency Grant
Florida Residents
Help with mortgage, rent, or utility bills during an emergency — such as an unexpected hospitalization or loss of income. Considered last-resort funding only.
Liquid assets must be $1,000 or less
Last-resort only
How to Apply
Most programs require a social worker to submit on your behalf, which means your Cooper care team can handle the process with you from start to finish.
1
Talk to Your Cooper Care Team
Let your nurse or coordinator know you're interested in financial assistance. They'll connect you with Cooper's social worker, who handles these applications regularly.
2
Review Your Options Together
Your social worker will identify which programs you're likely eligible for based on your insurance, income, and situation — AKF HIPP, NKFF Direct Aid, or others.
3
Gather Your Documents
Most programs require proof of income, current insurance information, and your diagnosis documentation. Your social worker will tell you exactly what each program needs.
4
Submit Through Your Right Channels
AKF HIPP applications go through AKF's Grants Management System. NKFF Direct Aid applications go directly to the Florida chapter. Cooper's team handles both with you.
