Senate Introduces Bill to Protect Dialysis Patients in Washington, DC
- Kidney Care Partners applauded the introduction of the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act on September 11, 2024.
- The legislation aims to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that removed protections for dialysis patients, ensuring access to treatments through private insurance.
- KCP urges Congress to support this bill to protect patient choice and reduce financial strain on both patients and the Medicare trust fund.
On September 11, 2024, Kidney Care Partners (KCP), a coalition representing over 30 organizations in the kidney care community, expressed support for the bipartisan Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act introduced by Senators Cory Booker, Bill Cassidy, and Martin Heinrich. This legislation aims to restore protections for dialysis patients that were lost following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Marietta v. DaVita, which allowed insurance plans to discriminate against individuals with kidney failure. The act seeks to ensure that patients can access necessary dialysis treatments through private insurance during the 30-month coordination period with Medicare. The introduction of this bill follows a companion bill introduced in December by several House Representatives, indicating a growing legislative effort to address the needs of dialysis patients. Mahesh Krishnan, Chair of KCP, emphasized the importance of patient choice in health coverage and the need for collaboration with policymakers to advance this initiative. The legislation is expected to alleviate financial burdens on patients and the Medicare trust fund by reducing out-of-pocket expenses associated with dialysis treatments. The KCP's support highlights the urgency of restoring these protections, as many patients rely on dialysis for their survival. The coalition's advocacy reflects a broader concern within the kidney care community regarding access to essential treatments and the implications of recent legal decisions on patient care. As the bill progresses, KCP encourages all members of Congress to join in supporting this critical legislation, which aims to protect and expand care choices for individuals living with kidney disease and failure.