A bipartisan bill offered on Dec. 19 by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) would ensure that Americans living with kidney failure who are on dialysis receive the care they need.
“This legislation is critical for Americans living with End Stage Renal Disease [ESRD] and who rely on dialysis,” Rep. Kelly said. “Patients deserve to know their benefits will be in place when they need them. This legislation will improve both patient care and patient outcomes.”
Rep. Kelly sponsored the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, H.R. 6860, with five original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY).
“I want to thank my House colleagues for joining me on this vital legislation,” said Rep. Kelly on Tuesday.
H.R. 6860 follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 that allows private health plans to prematurely force ESRD patients on Medicare, a ruling that the lawmakers say disrupts coverage and shifts a significant financial burden to taxpayers.
“Nearly 40 million Americans live with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk deserve our support in their fight against kidney disease — from prevention through post-transplant living,” said Rep. Clarke. “Unfortunately, far too many patients affected with the disease, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, have complex healthcare needs that create incentives for plans to discourage enrollment.”
If enacted, H.R. 6860 would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify and preserve the breadth of the protections under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act, according to the congressional record bill summary.
The measure has garnered support from Kidney Care Partners, the American Kidney Fund, Dialysis Patient Citizens, and the Renal Support Network.