@mikek206 Like you, I am getting closer to starting dialysis, also! There is a lot to learn about it all, and your choices.

Has your nephrologist talked to you about the options, either peritoneal, in-center hemodialysis, or home hemodialysis? Each one has pluses and minuses, and you may qualify for peritoneal if you haven't had excessive abdominal surgeries in the past.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/peritoneal-dialysis/about/pac-20384725 talks to you about peritoneal dialysis, which is what my husband had for 5.5 years before his transplant. His argument was that the toxins in the blood are kept more level because they are removed every day versus in-center dialysis which is 3 times a week. Once a month he checked in with his nurse at the in-center unit, to have bloodwork done and have his port examined. When I face dialysis myself, I hope to go this route.

On the other hand, is hemodialysis https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemodialysis/about/pac-20384824 This article also includes information on home hemodialysis.

Here are a couple of threads from this discussion group, started a couple years ago, but full of information and experiences: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dialysis/ and
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/support-for-dialysis-patients/
While we wait for others to chime in with their thoughts, I think of @kamama94 and her story

Yes, Medicare covers a lot of things related to ESRD including dialysis https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dialysis-services-supplies
And, also check with your individual insurance for their coverage. My husband continued working full-time while on dialysis, and has Kaiser-Permanente insurance that covered everything.
Ginger