Short- or long-term disability

If your loved one has a job, assist him or her in contacting the employer's human resources department to ask about private disability insurance. If eligible and if the cost of enrolling is within your budget, your loved one can still receive a percentage of his or her salary while recovering from a kidney transplant.

If he or she is not working, look into disability programs run by your state.

Medical insurance options

If your loved one is employed, see what his or her employer covers for a long-term illness, and don't hesitate to ask the human resources department to explain any terms.

There are also health care programs you can buy individually if your loved one isn't employed. Look for the most affordable program that has the most coverage for a kidney transplant recipient.

Since your loved one has had a kidney transplant, he or she is eligible for Medicare even if under the age of 65. Medicare is a federal health insurance program with several different parts. Medicare can cover everything from hospital bills to prescriptions to home health care services. Visit the Medicare link below for more information.

For those who cannot get insurance or have a low income, Medicaid is another government program that may be able to help. Medicaid can vary state-to-state, so look online for your state's program.

Making a financial plan

Not everyone is comfortable managing his or her own finances, so managing those of your loved one may be even more daunting. You can work together to discuss and explore options for care, and you may also wish to consult a financial advisor. Your loved one's transplant team can also refer you to social workers, support groups or online resources that can help you organize yourself. By getting finances in order, you'll have more time to focus on your loved one's care.

Online resources