To the Editor:
As a single mom, starting dialysis required a lot of shuffling so I could attend treatments while juggling my responsibilities as a parent. Thankfully, it didn’t require big out-of-pocket payments to cover what Medicare couldn’t, since Michigan requires insurers to provide dialysis patients like me with access to Medigap.
I know the reality is different for patients in my situation in other states, so I’m happy to see members of Congress from both parties working on the Jack Reynolds Memorial Medigap Expansion Act, which would expand “Medigap” coverage to dialysis patients under 65, so they don’t get stuck with massive bills if Medicare doesn’t cover necessary treatments or medications.
I’m thankful lawmakers on Capitol Hill are talking about dialysis patients, and I hope U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and Michigan’s other representatives support bills like this so dialysis patients everywhere can focus on treatment instead of the bill that comes with it.
Quiana Bishop, Detroit, Michigan
