The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (H.R. 5027/S. 4469) sets the stage for the future of kidney care. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) re-introduced the bill in the House of Representatives on July 28, 2023 and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) re-introduced the bill in the Senate on June 5, 2024. If passed, this legislation would improve efforts to prevent and better understand chronic kidney disease (CKD) by ensuring appropriate reimbursement for quality care and improve patient access to the best drugs, technology and innovations along the kidney care continuum.
One provision in H.R. 5027/S. 4469 would ensure all ESRD patients have access to Medigap supplemental plans. Currently, only those patients over the age of 65 are ensured access to these plans. Many dialysis patients also have multiple comorbidities, while taking multiple medications. Because Medicare only covers 80% of health care costs, without supplemental coverage, ESRD patients could face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Ask your representative and senators to co-sponsor H.R. 5027/S. 4469 – The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act today! https://kidneyaction.org/support-ckd-research-and-treatment-act/
