Dollars and Sense of Successful Rehabilitation

Abstract

Improving employment outcomes for transplant recipients can positively contribute to a patient's identity, self-esteem, and quality of life. Placing a dollar figure on the costs associated with advanced medical procedures is much easier than placing a dollar figure on the benefits resulting from being employed after transplantation. This article outlines the work of the Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council and how it has assisted people with kidney disease—those on dialysis and those who received transplants—to achieve life goals and provide long-term access to employer group health plans. A review of current work incentives includes the Ticket to Work and the Work Incentives Improvement Act, Medicaid Buy-in Programs, and other work incentives related to the Social Security system. Effective rehabilitation outcomes can be enhanced in the transplant population through knowledge of work incentives and awareness of obstacles that are perceived by rehabilitation agencies in working with this group.