Kidney Dialysis and Pop Can Tabs

I was recently asked about the collection of pop can tabs as some sort of donation for towards kidney dialysis for those in need.

A little research led to the discover that, even though many actually practice collecting pop can tabs for this purpose, it is a hoax.

Here is what the Kidney Foundation of Ohio says about it in their FAQ's:

Should I save my pop can tabs to help pay for dialysis?

This is a rumor that has been traveling the country for years. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, pop tabs will not buy a single minute of dialysis time for a kidney patient. In the early 70's, Medicare began paying for 80% of the cost of dialysis treatments. In general, the patient is responsible for the remaining 20%. We tell interested "tab savers" that if they would like to assist a kidney patient, save the entire can, recycle them and send the proceeds to the Kidney Foundation. We have several direct assistance programs available to help patients in need.

Evidently The National Kidney Foundation has been beating this rumor with a stick for years, but it still won't die. It has survived for at least two decades, and I have even found reference to the practice (actively advertised) on a children's hospital site. The bottom line, just redeem those cans entirely and you would be donating a lot more to the cause if this is how you would like to help.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Prometheun