A man in need of a kidney was denied a transplant due to his age.Thiwat Thiwat discovered that his kidneys were failing during his senior year at Deering High School four years ago.Thiwat was a member of the school’s 2013 state championship team, but a year later, he found out that his immune system attacked his kidneys.His kidneys are now only functioning at 1 percent.He’s enrolled in college full-time and also has a part-time job. He was relying on Mainecare, but was recently cut off when he turned 21.Thiwat is no longer qualifies for the kidney donation list because he doesn’t have health insurance.He said he’s worked too hard to do all the things young people should do at his age, and his case highlights the problem with Mainecare cut-offs.“Everyone needs help every once in awhile, and this is such a big thing to cut off from 21-year-olds,” Thiwat said. “We're just starting to figure out life. I should be able to have Mainecare because your health is one of the biggest things that either helps you or prevents you from progressing.”Thiwat said he’s grateful for the help and support from family friends and Maine Med. The hospital is letting him continue dialysis until he qualifies for insurance.

A man in need of a kidney was denied a transplant due to his age.

Thiwat Thiwat discovered that his kidneys were failing during his senior year at Deering High School four years ago.


Thiwat was a member of the school’s 2013 state championship team, but a year later, he found out that his immune system attacked his kidneys.

His kidneys are now only functioning at 1 percent.

He’s enrolled in college full-time and also has a part-time job. He was relying on Mainecare, but was recently cut off when he turned 21.

Thiwat is no longer qualifies for the kidney donation list because he doesn’t have health insurance.

He said he’s worked too hard to do all the things young people should do at his age, and his case highlights the problem with Mainecare cut-offs.

“Everyone needs help every once in awhile, and this is such a big thing to cut off from 21-year-olds,” Thiwat said. “We're just starting to figure out life. I should be able to have Mainecare because your health is one of the biggest things that either helps you or prevents you from progressing.”

Thiwat said he’s grateful for the help and support from family friends and Maine Med. The hospital is letting him continue dialysis until he qualifies for insurance.