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.
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.
Check out our Patient Ambassador Spotlight, where we highlight members who elevate the voices of people with kidney disease.
This month’s Spotlight is on Marcine Spoke from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marcine developed kidney disease due to high blood pressure and diabetes, but it went undiagnosed for a long time. Despite both physical and financial difficulties, she’s preserved resiliently on dialysis. Marcine has relied on both Medicare and Medicaid, though still has to pay out of pocket for medications, which cause a significant financial strain. That’s why she was particularly shocked to hear about the Supreme Court ruling that can make it harder for dialysis patients to cover their healthcare expenses. The decision makes it easier for private insurers to cut costs and weaken coverage for new dialysis patients and can result in diminished care in those vital, traditionally protected first months of treatment and reduce the chances that patients receive a kidney transplant.
Marcine is calling on U.S. Rep. Gwenn Moore, D-Milwaukee to help pass H.R. 6860 - The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act to protect patients’ insurance coverage and the chances they’ll receive a transplant.
Patient Ambassadors represent DPC by serving as leaders in their community and local dialysis facilities. Learn more about this critical role and make a difference in the lives of dialysis patients by applying for DPC's Patient Ambassador program.
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