Americans should not have to fight tooth and nail to pay for lifesaving health care. Yet, this is an unfortunate reality for dialysis patients in America. When I began dialysis, I lost my private insurance since I could not work anymore. Relying on Medicare with little family support, I struggled to pay for my required treatment.
Traditionally, private insurance companies cover dialysis for 30 months after starting treatment to ensure patients focus on their health, not their finances. Yet, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could allow private insurance to weaken this 30-month coverage. As a dialysis patient and advocate, I have spoken with many patients who could not afford to lose their private insurance when beginning treatment, and that without it, they would fall into debt.
I will always fight to overcome kidney disease and fight for others. Our leaders need to work to make it easier for us to access affordable dialysis treatment. U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans: Please listen to your constituents and fight to pass the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, which would protect dialysis patients in this 30-month window.
Kyle Matthews, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
