Bangkok: Social Security is advancing its initiatives to support patients with chronic kidney failure by expanding coverage for renal replacement therapy to encompass all stages of treatment.
According to Thai News Agency, the Social Security Office has announced a growing number of insured individuals suffering from chronic kidney failure, which is adversely affecting the patients' quality of life and posing an economic challenge to the country. The office is committed to providing care for insured individuals under Section 33 and Section 39 who are afflicted with kidney disease, ensuring they receive free kidney treatment at all stages. This includes comprehensive coverage for renal replacement therapy such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.
Ms. Kanjana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, outlined the benefits available to insured persons suffering from end-stage chronic kidney failure. These include hemodialysis treatment at a cost not exceeding 1,500 baht per session, with a weekly cap of 4,500 baht and a monthly maximum of 18,000 baht. This includes erythropoietin injection and covers the cost of vascular preparation and related medical supplies with no duration limitation. For HIV-infected patients, dialysis costs are reimbursed up to 4,000 baht per session and 12,000 baht weekly, including erythropoietin injections.
Furthermore, permanent peritoneal dialysis is covered up to 20,000 baht per month, which includes erythropoietin injections and a catheter placement fee of up to 20,000 baht per person for two years. If catheter replacement is necessary within two years, an additional reimbursement of up to 10,000 baht is possible. Automated peritoneal dialysis is entitled to a maximum of 32,700 baht per month, inclusive of erythropoietin injections, while kidney transplantation covers pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative treatment, as well as lifelong immunosuppressant medication.
The Secretary-General emphasized that insured persons wishing to utilize their renal replacement therapy benefits must submit an application for approval in advance, along with supporting documents, at any Social Security Office in Bangkok, provinces, or branches nationwide, or through the electronic system of a registered medical facility. Information and application submissions can be verified online at www.sso.go.th or by contacting the 24-hour hotline 1506 for further assistance. This initiative aims to ensure that insured persons have access to continuous treatment and an improved quality of life.