Medicare coverage for major organ transplants varies depending upon the extent to
which the transplantation procedure has progressed from the initial, experimental
stage in which its safety and effectiveness has not been established to the stage
in which its benefits clearly outweigh the risks and its use has become widely accepted
by the medical community. The following procedures are generally covered by the Medicare
program:
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1.
Renal (kidney) transplants.
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2.
Heart transplants — when performed in approved hospitals which have met certain criteria
that demonstrate the hospital's experience in, and commitment to, heart transplantation.
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3.
Liver transplants — for children under age 18 with extrahepatic biliary atresia.
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4.
Bone marrow transplants for leukemia, aplastic anemia, severe combined immunodeficiency
disease and Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome.