Congressman Donald Payne Jr. sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the ESRD Treatment Choices Model Demonstration, which is the rule that pertains to increasing the number of home dialysis treatments and kidney transplants. Payne focused on the importance of protecting and prioritizing patient choice. Specifically, he explained that home dialysis is not always an optimal treatment option for patients due to a lack of caregiver support and the necessary space requirements needed for this treatment.
Payne provides a unique perspective to the conversation on advancing kidney health in America. He has End-Stage Renal Disease and receives dialysis treatment multiple times a week. Payne blends a patient perspective with a legislative background as he serves as Representative for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional district. Furthermore, Payne was one of the speakers during DPC’s 2019 Annual Advocacy Day, where he talked about his experience with dialysis and the efforts he is taking to elevate the patient voice.
We are pleased that Payne echoed the same concern for patient choice that DPC expressed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) earlier this year. With comments on this rule from DPC, Congress, and now Payne, we hope CMS will address these concerns in order to ensure optimal dialysis care.
