KCP Applauds Bipartisan Congressional Budget Deal Expanding Medicare Coverage Options for Dialysis Patients

Washington, DC, February 09, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Kidney Care Partners (KCP) – the nation’s largest kidney coalition comprised of physician groups, providers, patient advocacy groups, manufacturers and researchers – today applauded the bipartisan Congressional budget deal that would improve and expand Medicare coverage for individuals living with kidney failure.

The deal (H.R. 1892), introduced by Senate and House leadership, includes provisions that provide thoughtful, patient-centric policies that will measurably improve access to quality care. Specifically, KCP supports the provisions that will expand the use of home dialysis therapy through use of telehealth services; expedite patient access to quality dialysis care at newly certified facilities; and extend authority for Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) without interruption in care.

All these provisions were previously introduced in bills that passed in the House or Senate, including The Chronic Care Act (S. 870) and The Medicare Part B Improvement Act (H.R. 3178). Kidney Care Partners thanks the authors of these provisions: Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) and Reps Kevin Brady (R-TX), Greg Walden (R-OR), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Richard Neal (D-MA).

“We commend the House and Senate for striking a deal that is good for Americans living with chronic diseases nationwide, especially those with kidney disease or kidney failure,” said KCP Chair Allen Nissenson, MD, FACP. “The Congressional Budget deal will not only improve patient choice and care coordination, but subsequently patient outcomes. This deal shows understanding and compassion for those Americans living with a chronic disease.”

Currently, 31 million Americans either have some form of kidney disease or are at risk of developing kidney failure in the future. And each year, more than 100,000 are diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and will eventually require a kidney transplant or dialysis services.

“The House and Senate has the gratitude and support of the kidney community for making this vulnerable population a priority through previously passed legislation and this budget deal promoting quality, access and choice,” added Nissenson. “We applaud the House and Senate for approving the continuing resolution including these life-saving provisions.”

KCP is coalition of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, care providers and manufacturers dedicated to working together to improve quality of care for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).