Dialysis Patient Citizens News
Dialysis Patient Citizens and the DPC Education Center Mourn the Passing of Natalie Zuniga
It is with a heavy heart that DPC and the DPC Education Center Board, staff, and volunteers learned of the passing of our Board Vice President, Natalie Zuniga. Natalie was from San Antonio, TX, where she lived with her husband of 40 years, Eddie, and raised their daughter. Natalie worked as a corporate travel agent for over 30 years before she was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a job she loved because she got to travel and meet new people. Natalie was a dialysis patient for [...]
Dialysis Patient Citizens Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation Restoring Protections for Dialysis Patients
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2025) -- Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), the leading advocacy organization for dialysis patients nationwide, today released the following statement applauding the introduction of the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act (S. 1173/H.R. 2199) to restore access to critical health insurance coverage for patients who choose it. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and it was introduced in the House by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Neal [...]
Nevada Moves Closer to Medigap for ESRD Patients
On March 27th, the Nevada Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor unanimously approved Senate Bill 292. Sponsored by State Senator Roberta Lange (NV-7), this important legislation will provide affordable access to Medigap coverage to the under age 65 Medicare eligible population. Nevada resident and DPC Patient Ambassador, Chuck Lizer, shared his story with the committee, helping legislators understand the unique challenges faced by dialysis patients. SB 292 will now go to the full Senate for consideration, and if approved, moves to the Nevada State Assembly. Thank you, [...]
Dialysis Patient Citizens and the DPC Education Center Mourn the Passing of Stephen Ahern
It is with a heavy heart that DPC and the DPC Education Center Board, staff, and volunteers learned of the passing of one of our Board Members, Stephen (Steve) Ahern. Steve was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, PA, and was a lifelong Eagles fan. He worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation before working as a Commercial Loans Officer for PSFS Bank. Steve moved to Cape May County 40 years ago and worked as a real estate agent in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ, a seasonal [...]
Expand Medigap Coverage
My husband and I have end stage renal disease, or kidney failure, and depend on dialysis to survive. It is difficult for Texans in similar situations to afford lifesaving dialysis, especially people who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Medicare covers only 80% of dialysis costs, leaving many patients responsible for the rest. It can cost thousands of dollars a year without proper coverage. Supplemental insurance plans called Medigap can help fill the gap that Medicare leaves open. However, Medigap plans remain unaffordable for dialysis patients younger than 65. [...]
Georgia Medigap Legislation Passes First Hurdle
On February 24, HB 323 was unanimously approved by the Health Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives. Sponsored by State Representative Karen Mathiak (R-82), this legislation will provide affordable access to Medigap coverage to the under 65 Medicare eligible population. DPC Patient Ambassadors Kristi Flynn and Christopher Richards shared their stories with the committee, helping legislators understand the unique challenges faced by both kidney transplant and dialysis patients. HB 323 will now go to the full House for consideration, and if approved, moves over to the Senate. [...]
Building Momentum: DPC’s Growing Patient Ambassador Network
By Yolonda Brisbane, DPC Grassroots Manager Since I began my role as Grassroots Manager for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) in April 2022, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the growth of something truly special—the Patient Ambassador Program. This network of DPC members from across the country is dedicated to amplifying their voices and making a real difference. Turning personal health challenges and difficult experiences into action, they advocate for better care for the kidney patient community. In addition to their ongoing advocacy efforts, DPC Patient Ambassadors take part [...]
DPC Welcomes New Digital Marketing and Social Media Manager – Megan Leonard
Megan Leonard is the Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager at Dialysis Patient Citizens, where she applies her digital communications expertise to enhance the organization’s visibility and engagement. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama (2020) and a Master of Science in Communication from Lasell University (2021). Before joining Dialysis Patient Citizens, Megan gained valuable experience managing social media and digital communications for a health care professional association, where she crafted strategies to boost online presence and foster community [...]
Dialysis Patient Citizens Mourns the Passing of Former Board Member Erich Ditschman
It is with a heavy heart that DPC Board, staff, and volunteers learned of the unexpected passing of one of our former Board Members, Erich Ditschman, on January 1, 2025. Erich was originally from Nyak, New York, but later moved to Michigan where he met his wife, completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and raised his family. Advocacy was always at the heart of what Erich did – first as an environmental scientist advocating for river and watershed resources, then as a patient advocate for kidney disease [...]
California Resources
As the wildfires continue to profoundly affect communities in the Los Angeles area, Dialysis Patient Citizens extends its heartfelt support to all who are impacted by this devastating crisis. Thousands of structures have been affected, over 200,000 residents have been displaced, and to date, at least 27 people have lost their lives. Government officials, including Governor Newsom, have issued emergency declarations as the fires intensified, allowing for rapid deployment of resources to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. While some of you may not live in the immediate [...]
DPC Gives Thanks to All Our Amazing Advocates
DPC would like to give thanks to our many patient advocates, family members, friends, coalition partners, legislative champions, healthcare partners, and countless supporters for your dedicated commitment and collaboration over the past 20 years. We are grateful for everything you do to help elevate the patient voice with policy makers. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving celebration.
Native American Heritage Month
Native Americans have the highest diabetes prevalence in the U.S., which is the leading cause of kidney disease; they are two times more likely to develop kidney failure compared to white Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Because people in the early stages of kidney failure often experience few or no symptoms, it’s important to get regular screenings, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or are at risk for diabetes. An early diagnosis and treatment plan can help preserve kidney function [...]
Federal Officials Update Kidney Community on Baxter Hurricane Recovery
Officials from the US Department of Health and Human Services updated kidney care leaders on the fallout from hurricane damage to Baxter’s North Caroline plant. A representative of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response said that it is working with the FDA and Baxter to mitigate shortages of fluids for dialysis patients. The government has invoked the Defense Production Act to ensure that Baxter has the materials needed to clean up their facility. Two other companies are increasing production to their full capacity to bring additional products [...]
Medicare Drug Plans Are Getting Better Next Year. Some Will Also Cost More.
By Susan Jaffe October 21, 2024 When Pam McClure learned she’d save nearly $4,000 on her prescription drugs next year, she said, “it sounded too good to be true.” She and her husband are both retired and live on a “very strict” budget in central North Dakota. By the end of this year, she will have spent almost $6,000 for her medications, including a drug to control her diabetes. McClure, 70, is one of about 3.2 million people with Medicare prescription drug insurance whose out-of-pocket medication costs will be capped at [...]
Letter: Dialysis patients deserve better
I remember being diagnosed with kidney disease in 2012 and beginning peritoneal dialysis in 2014. It was an undoubtedly difficult period in my life. Fortunately, I could continue working full time, which allowed me to keep my private insurance. Although Medicare became my primary plan, my private insurance covered 20% of the bill that Medicare did not. My private insurance also broadened my access to treatments and medications. Most patients on dialysis are not well enough to continue working and rely entirely on public assistance. Patients must [...]
Preserve health protections
To the editor: I’ve had kidney troubles ever since I was born. It’s been exhausting managing my health care needs. It became even harder when I began dialysis, the only treatment for kidney failure besides a transplant. Taking care of my health while fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother and a business owner was overwhelming. If you or a loved one have had intensive medical needs, you know how incredibly hard daily life becomes. Eventually, I was able to receive a kidney transplant — only because I [...]