The objective of this research was to uncover any potential disparities across race/ethnicity that Black Americans face in wait times and, subsequently, in survival rates for a kidney transplant. For individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), kidney transplantation may be the optimal treatment option compared to dialysis due to increased life expectancy, greater quality of life, and improved clinical outcomes. Given the increased incidence of ESRD among Black Americans compared to White Americans, Avalere analyzed 100% Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) claims data from 2018–2021 to determine whether Black Medicare patients face disproportionately longer wait times for kidney transplants.

Key Findings from This Analysis

• The average wait time for Medicare FFS beneficiaries from time of initial diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESRD to receipt of a kidney transplant was 4.46 years. Compared to all patients, Black Medicare FFS beneficiaries had a longer average wait time from diagnosis to transplant (5.09 years; P < .0001).
• Mortality for all patients 4 years after initial diagnosis of CKD/ESRD was 5.03%, which increased to 6.03% for 5 years and 27.05% for 6 years or greater.

*Found to be statistically significant with a p value <.05.

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