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 Leigh-Ann Williams from Marrero, Louisiana.
Leigh-Ann had to start dialysis treatments when she was in college, while she was still covered under her mother’s private insurance. Once she turned 26 though, she was no longer eligible to be covered under her mother’s plan, but she also didn’t yet qualify for Medicare. Suddenly, Leigh-Ann was under immense financial stress. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. Without the proper insurance, health care costs for dialysis patients can become financially devastating for many patients.
Because of this firsthand experience, Leigh-Ann is particularly worried about a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakens protections for dialysis patients by allowing private insurance to lessen coverage to new dialysis patients before they qualify for Medicare.
Dialysis patient shouldn’t have to choose between life-saving treatments and other bills which is why Leigh-Ann and many other patients are urging Congress to pass H.R. 6860 - The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, and protect dialysis patients’ access to private insurance.
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.
