Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program
The Dialysis Transportation Program provides financial assistance to help patients reach their life-saving dialysis treatments. The program works by reimbursing the patient for the expenses incurred while traveling to and from dialysis treatments. Patients can apply directly through their dialysis clinic social worker.
Program Qualifications
There are 3 eligibility requirements for participants to qualify for this program:
Qualification 1: Must Not Have Insurance Paying For Transportation
Applicants must not have any other insurance or resource that pays for transportation. Applicants with TennCare are not eligible; however, some applicants with QMB only may qualify. Please inquire if your applicant has transportation coverage or not before applying for this program if you are unsure.
Qualification 2: County Resident
Applicants must reside in one of the following counties:
| Anderson | Hamblen | Morgan |
| Blount | Hancock | Roane |
| Campbell | Hawkins | Scott |
| Carter | Jefferson | Sevier |
| Claiborne | Johnson | Sullivan |
| Cocke | Knox | Unicoi |
| Cumberland | Loudon | Union |
| Grainger | Monroe | Washington |
| Greene |
Qualification 3: Annual Household Income Must Be At Or Below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
Applicants’ annual household incomes must be at or below 250% of the current year’s Federal Poverty Level, according to household size. This threshold is indicated in the chart below, highlighted in yellow.
| 2025 Property Guidelines: 48 Contiguous States | ||||
| (all states except Alaska and Hawaii) | ||||
| Per Year | ||||
| Household/Family Size | 50% | 75% | 100% | 250% |
| 1 | 7,530.00 | 11,295.00 | 15,060.00 | 37,650.00 |
| 2 | 10,220.00 | 15,330.00 | 20,440.00 | 51,100.00 |
| 3 | 12,910.00 | 19,365.00 | 25,820.00 | 64,550.00 |
| 4 | 15,600.00 | 23,400.00 | 31,200.00 | 78,000.00 |
| 5 | 18,290.00 | 27,435.00 | 36,580.00 | 91,450.00 |
| 6 | 20,980.00 | 31,470.00 | 41,960.00 | 104,900.00 |
| 7 | 23,670 | 35,505.00 | 47,340.00 | 118,350.00 |
| 8 | 26,360.00 | 39,540.00 | 52,720.00 | 131,800.00 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add 13,750 for each additional person | ||||
Qualification 1: Must Not Have Insurance Paying For Transportation
Applicants must not have any other insurance or resource that pays for transportation. Applicants with TennCare are not eligible; however, some applicants with QMB only may qualify. Please inquire if your applicant has transportation coverage or not before applying for this program if you are unsure.
Qualification 2: County Resident
Applicants must reside in one of the following counties:
- Anderson
- Blount
- Campbell
- Carter
- Claiborne
- Cocke
- Cumberland
- Grainger
- Greene
- Hamblen
- Hancock
- Hawkins
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Loudon
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Roane
- Scott
- Sevier
- Sullivan
- Unicoi
- Union
- Washington
Qualification 3: Annual Household Income Must Be At Or Below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
Applicants’ annual household incomes must be at or below 250% of the current year’s Federal Poverty Level, according to household size. Check if you meet the threshold by consulting the list below:
• 1 family member household: $37,650.00
• 2 family member household: $51,000.00
• 3 family member household: $64,550.00
• 4 family member household: $78,000.00
• 5 family member household: $91,450.00
• 6 family member household: $104,900.00
• 7 family member household: $118,350.00
• 8 family member household: $131,800.00
*For families/households with more than 8 persons add $13,750.00 for each additional person
How to Apply
If you believe you are eligible for benefits through our Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program please reach out to your social worker and have them complete the required forms above. Please have your social worker email the complete forms as one file to patientservices@etkidney.org.
Applications may be submitted at any time. Applicactions are approved on a first come, first serve basis.
Required Forms
Consent Form + Media Release | Face Sheet | Copy of Insurance Cards (front + back)
Please submit as one file if you are able!
Save As: LAST_FIRST_INITIAL_2526
Important Deadlines
Particpant Renewal For the Next Fiscal Year Deadline (requires new application to be submitted) : June 30,2026 | Reimbursement Request Deadline: 10th of each month
Collaborating with Leading Clinics
FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE
DAVITA KIDNEY CARE
DCI CLINICS
Supporting Kidney Patients Across East Tennessee: A Regional Network of Compassion and Care
At the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, our mission is grounded in direct, daily impact. We work hand in hand with 48 dialysis clinics across East Tennessee, building strong relationships with clinic staff and partnering closely with social workers who are on the front lines of patient care.
A Shared Commitment
What makes our work sustainable and scalable is the shared commitment between our staff, clinic partners, and the broader community. Together, we’re building a regional safety net for people facing the daily challenges of end-stage renal disease.
Whether it’s a rural clinic in the mountains or a high-volume urban center, ETKF is present—listening, supporting, and advocating. Every delivery, every referral, and every mile driven matters. Because for the patients we serve, this isn’t just assistance—it’s a lifeline.
Patient Spotlight
Click on one of the patients below to learn more about how the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program helped support them in their dialysis journey.
Making Lemonade: Brenda's Story
Definition of Positivity: Meet Deborah
Corey Winnie: Survivor and Advocate
Days with Dialysis: Samuel Pickle's Dialysis Journey
