I have been on dialysis treatments for almost 13 years due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney disease can be a lot to handle with frequent
dialysis treatments, doctor’s appointments, and medications. On top of the medical responsibilities, I must ensure I have the proper insurance coverage.
Initially after my diagnosis, I was fortunate to be covered by my wife’s employer-sponsored insurance. However, after 30 months, I had to switch to Medicare as my primary coverage, with my wife’s plan as my secondary coverage. This was often confusing in billing situations and created a hassle for me to explain to medical providers. It’s important that dialysis patients can easily remain on private insurance for the 30 months after their diagnoses, which a recent decision from the Supreme Court could upend.
Private insurance can be vital to patients’ access to quality care and important benefits. I am an advocate for my dialysis community and have discussed our pressing issues with members of Congress. I encourage Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) to support legislation that protects dialysis patients’ ability to stay on employer-sponsored insurance plans during the 30 months after diagnosis. This is critical to protecting dialysis patients’ quality of life.
William Senior III, Trenton, NJ
