WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) reintroduced the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act to ensure individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, continue to have access to private health care.
“ESRD patients need dialysis treatments to survive,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must ensure their access to treatment is continued and their choice of care is protected.”
“Three years ago, the Supreme Court made the decision to allow private health care companies to kick patients suffering from kidney failure off their plan, forcing many people into financial hardship,” said Senator Booker. “No one should lose their insurance, especially when they need it most. The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act is critical legislation that will ensure ESRD patients’ right to choose their care is protected.”
“The last thing patients should be worried about when dealing with kidney failure is being kicked off their insurance while undergoing treatment,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to support the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act to help ensure that every New Mexican can access life-saving care when they need it most.”
“Dialysis is a vital treatment for over a thousand North Dakotans living with kidney failure,” said Senator Cramer. “Our legislation protects access to private health insurance for dialysis patients and supports the stability of the Medicare Trust Fund into the future.”
The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act is endorsed by Akebia Therapeutics, American Kidney Fund, American Nephrology Nurses Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Ardelyx, AstraZeneca, Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, Baxter, Centers for Dialysis Care, CorMedix, CSL Vifor, DaVita, Dialysis Care Center, Dialysis Patient Citizens, Fresenius Medical Care, Greenfield Health Systems, The Kidney Care Council, NATCO, Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission, Renal Healthcare Association, Renal Physicians Association, Renal Support Network, Rogosin Institute, U.S. Renal Care, Unicycive Therapeutics, and Diality.
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