Michael Fox — Licensed Insurance Advisor
Michael Fox Insurance
Phone: 856-676-9358
Email: michaelfox13@gmail.com
michaelfoxinsurance.online
kidney disease — Resource Guide
Curated by Michael Fox Insurance
Printed June 18, 2026
Kidney disease & ESRD resource hub
Kidney disease changes how you live every day. The right help — in one place — makes a real difference.
From early-stage CKD to dialysis and transplant, this page gathers the most trusted helplines, treatment programs, financial aid, transplant resources, and caregiver support — all in one place.
If this is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Talk to someone right now
Helplines and direct support
Free, confidential, and staffed by trained specialists. You don't need to know what to ask — just reach out.
NKF Cares Patient Helpline
855-NKF-CARES (855-653-2273)Free patient help line from the National Kidney Foundation. Mon–Fri 9am–7pm ET. Email nkfcares@kidney.org.
Visit websiteAmerican Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)
800-749-2257Patient education, advocacy, and free magazines for kidney patients.
Visit websiteAmerican Kidney Fund HelpLine
866-300-2900Financial aid, education, and direct patient support for kidney disease.
Visit websiteEldercare Locator
800-677-1116Federal directory connecting older adults to local dialysis transportation, meal, and home care services.
Visit website988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988Free, confidential 24/7 emotional support — depression is common and treatable in dialysis patients.
Visit websiteTrusted national organizations
Where to learn, connect, and get guidance
National Kidney Foundation
The leading national nonprofit on kidney disease — patient education, advocacy, and support.
Open resourceAmerican Kidney Fund
Direct financial assistance to dialysis patients in all 50 states.
Open resourceAmerican Association of Kidney Patients
Patient-led advocacy and education organization.
Open resourceRenal Support Network
Survivor-led nonprofit founded by transplant recipient — peer support and education.
Open resourcePKD Foundation
Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation — research and support for the most common inherited cause of CKD.
Open resourceNephCure (Glomerular Disease)
FSGS, minimal change disease, and other glomerular kidney diseases.
Open resourceTreatment & dialysis support
Tools and programs for living well with kidney disease
Most patients have multiple treatment options. Education early — before crisis — leads to better outcomes.
Home Dialysis Central
Comprehensive guide to peritoneal and home hemodialysis — often higher quality of life than in-center.
Open resourceFind a Dialysis Center (Medicare Compare)
Compare quality ratings and locations of every Medicare-certified dialysis facility.
Open resourceNKF Kidney Kitchen
Free kidney-friendly recipes, meal planning, and nutrition guidance.
Open resourceMyKidneyJourney (NKF)
Personalized stage-by-stage roadmap and education tool.
Open resourceDialysis Patient Citizens
Patient-led advocacy and a free quarterly magazine for dialysis patients.
Open resourceTransplant resources
Information about kidney transplant
Transplant offers better outcomes and lower long-term cost than dialysis. Many patients can be evaluated even before starting dialysis.
Help Jarrett Wells find a kidney — In honor of Michael's lifelong friend
Personal to Michael — Jarrett Wells has been his friend since nursery school and is searching for a living kidney donor through the National Kidney Registry. Even if you're not a match, sharing his page could save his life.
Open resourceUnited Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) — Kidney
Patient-friendly guide to evaluation, waiting list, and life after transplant.
Open resourceNational Kidney Registry — Living Donor Search
Helps find living kidney donors through paired exchange programs.
Open resourceLiving Donor Assistance Center
Federal program that pays travel and lost wages for kidney donors with financial need.
Open resourceHelp HOPE Live
Fundraising support for transplant-related medical expenses.
Open resourceHospice & Palliative Care Locator
Palliative care can be combined with treatment to improve quality of life at any stage.
Open resourceFinancial assistance & benefits
Help paying for medications, dialysis, and transplant
Medicare for ESRD
ESRD qualifies people of any age for Medicare. The 30-month coordination period rules matter — get help understanding them.
Open resourceAmerican Kidney Fund Health Insurance Premium Program
Direct help paying premiums and treatment-related costs.
Open resourceSocial Security Disability (SSDI)
ESRD is among the conditions that qualify for fast-tracked SSDI.
Open resourcePatient Advocate Foundation
Case management and copay relief for chronic and serious conditions.
Open resourcePAN Foundation — Kidney Funds
Disease-specific copay assistance — funds open and close based on availability.
Open resourceRxAssist (Manufacturer Programs)
Free or low-cost kidney medications through manufacturer programs.
Open resourceLong-term care planning with Michael
Late-stage CKD often leads to significant long-term care needs. Plan ahead while you're insurable.
Open resourceCaregiver support
Help for spouses, partners, and family caregivers
NKF Caregiver Resources
Education and toolkits built specifically for kidney disease caregivers.
Open resourceCaregiver Action Network
Help Desk (855-227-3640), peer forums, and toolkits for family caregivers.
Open resourceFamily Caregiver Alliance
State-by-state services finder and online support groups.
Open resourceWell Spouse Association
Support specifically for spouses & partners of the chronically ill.
Open resourceARCH National Respite Network
Find local respite providers so you can take a break.
Open resourceClinical trials & research
Be part of the search for better treatment
ClinicalTrials.gov — Kidney Disease
Federal database of every registered kidney trial in the U.S.
Open resourceNIDDK Kidney Research
NIH-funded kidney clinical trials and patient registries.
Open resourcePKD Clinical Trials
Trials specific to PKD — the most common inherited form of kidney disease.
Open resourceLocal & community help
Find services in your neighborhood
NKF Local Offices
Local NKF affiliates for events, education, and patient support.
Open resourceEldercare Locator
Federal directory (800-677-1116) of local services and home care.
Open resource211 (United Way)
Local help with food, transportation to dialysis, utilities, and care needs.
Open resourceESRD Networks
Federally-designated regional support and grievance resources for dialysis patients.
Open resourcePlanning ahead
Decisions that protect your family
Kidney disease is progressive. Documents put in place early — before crisis — protect your wishes and reduce family stress.
Five Wishes Advance Directive
The most widely used living will in America.
Open resourceNAELA — Find an Elder Law Attorney
Powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and asset protection planning.
Open resourceLong-term care planning with Michael
Hybrid LTC, traditional LTC, and annuity-with-care options that fit your situation.
Open resourceShare this with someone you love.
A diagnosis can feel isolating and overwhelming — but you can be the light in someone else's darkest moment. If you know a family walking through kidney disease, forward this page. One small act of sharing can connect them to the hotlines, specialists, and community that help carry the weight.
A note from Michael
You don't have to face kidney disease alone.
I built this hub because watching my own family navigate a serious diagnosis showed me how hard it is to find trustworthy help when you need it most. If something here eases the load — even a little — it's worth it.
When you're ready to talk about protecting your family financially, I'm here — no pressure, no cost.
Informational only — not medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional. In an emergency, call 911.