It’s been a busy start in 2023 for DPC’s state advocacy efforts. Bills impacting dialysis patients are being introduced in multiple state legislatures and moving quickly through the legislative process.
Legislation to expand Medigap access has already been introduced in Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Virginia. Improving Medigap access is a top policy priority for DPC, and we are pleased that multiple states are considering how they can expand access to Medigap plans, particularly in states that have limited or no access to Medigap for the under-age 65 End State Renal Disease (ESRD) population. Hearings are scheduled in the coming days in Hawaii, Nebraska and Virginia, with Indiana and Kentucky soon to follow.
In addition to Medigap legislation, several states have introduced bills to enhance living donor protections and financial incentives, such as tax credits or reimbursement costs, that will help increase the number of kidneys available for transplant. Bills are moving quickly in Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. A bill that would create a state kidney disease task force is moving in Utah, and Oklahoma just introduced a bill that would add Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) screening in certain medical settings.
How can you help? We are always looking for DPC Patient Ambassadors to share their stories by writing letters to legislators, testifying at committee hearings and participating in Action Alerts that are emailed to our members.
Building strong relationships with legislators through the legislative process is how DPC is able to achieve success and improve the quality of life for its members and their families. To learn more about how you can help DPC’s state advocacy program, visit DPC’s website to find your state’s Medigap status.
