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In this issue:
DPC Weighs in On Essential Health Benefits Bulletin
Protecting State Dialysis Benefits
DPC Recognizes American Heart Month
DPC Recognizes American Heart Month
Nominate a DPC Hero
February Calendar of Events
February Calendar of Events
DPC Weighs in On Essential Health Benefits Bulletin
In January, DPC continued its efforts to ensure dialysis patients are protected as health insurance reform implementation moves forward. On the 31st, DPC sent a letter to Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) regarding a bulletin released late last year that provides initial guidance on the “essential health benefits” package. The essential health benefits provision in the Affordable Care Act is a key section that was created with the intent to ensure a consistent, minimum level of benefits across all plans in the individual and small group insurance markets.
In the letter, DPC highlighted the need for ESRD treatment to be included in the essential health benefits package. We also raised serious concerns with the proposed flexibility provided to states and insurance plans in the Bulletin. DPC stressed the need for robust prescription drug coverage standards and strong consumer protections, including outlawing benefit caps such as the number of visits, frequency of treatment, length or dollar values of coverage, etc.
Read the full letter.
If CCIIO continues with its current plan, the Essential Health Benefits package will now be determined by individual states. DPC will be working across the country to ensure dialysis patients have the access and protections they need, so continue to check our Legislative Action Center for ways that you can add your voice to this continued effort!
In January, DPC continued its efforts to ensure dialysis patients are protected as health insurance reform implementation moves forward. On the 31st, DPC sent a letter to Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) regarding a bulletin released late last year that provides initial guidance on the “essential health benefits” package. The essential health benefits provision in the Affordable Care Act is a key section that was created with the intent to ensure a consistent, minimum level of benefits across all plans in the individual and small group insurance markets.
In the letter, DPC highlighted the need for ESRD treatment to be included in the essential health benefits package. We also raised serious concerns with the proposed flexibility provided to states and insurance plans in the Bulletin. DPC stressed the need for robust prescription drug coverage standards and strong consumer protections, including outlawing benefit caps such as the number of visits, frequency of treatment, length or dollar values of coverage, etc.
Read the full letter.
If CCIIO continues with its current plan, the Essential Health Benefits package will now be determined by individual states. DPC will be working across the country to ensure dialysis patients have the access and protections they need, so continue to check our Legislative Action Center for ways that you can add your voice to this continued effort!
Protecting State Dialysis Benefits
As the state legislatures return for the 2012 session, DPC is working hard to ensure that dialysis patients are not adversely affected by legislation or budget cuts. To that end, DPC is increasing its advocacy efforts in states across the country to ensure dialysis patients are protected as states make changes to their policies.
Last month, DPC sent a letter to the Nebraska Medicaid Director urging her not to cut Medicaid coverage of oral nutritional supplements for dialysis patients. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, per state law, is requesting approval from the State Legislature to cut several different Medicaid covered benefits, including coverage of oral nutritional supplements for all Medicaid beneficiaries. Bills are currently pending in the State Legislature that would allow these cuts to take place. DPC sent the letter (found below) to the Medicaid Director and to the Senate Appropriations and Health Committees to request continued coverage of these supplements for dialysis patients and will continue to monitor the situation as the bill moves through the legislature.
See the full letter here.
DPC also sent a letter to the Governor of Idaho concerning a report written by the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations recommending that the state phase out its End Stage Renal Disease Program. This program was created in 1970 to provide much needed financial assistance to ESRD patients in the state. It has been modified since the creation of the Medicare ESRD program in 1972, but it still provides several important financial benefits including assistance paying for transportation to and from dialysis and help paying for some medications. The report recommended that the program be phased out due to the perceived duplication of benefits provided by programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, but DPC believes this program is a last resort for the patients currently enrolled and they may have trouble affording the services otherwise. DPC sent the letter below urging Idaho to restructure the program instead of ending it. We will continue to work with the state to protect dialysis patients’ access to essential care.
See the full letter here.
DPC Recognizes American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. While all Americans should take this opportunity to learn more about their heart health, for dialysis patients it is especially important to educate themselves on how to protect your heart. Dialysis patients are at an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure. In fact, heart failure is the foremost cause of death for CKD patients. Learning how to control risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels is a great way to help prevent heart disease and heart failure. If you have chronic kidney disease, learn more about what you can do to protect your heart by visiting the DPC Classroom and clicking on the course the Heart of the Matter.
Visit the DPC Classroom
Nominate a DPC Hero
We all know that special someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. Within the dialysis community especially, heroes are all around us. That’s why DPC has launched the DPC Hero campaign to tell the many heartwarming stories about patients, their families and caregivers, and others in the community who make a difference in the lives of dialysis patients.
A DPC hero is anyone who is making a difference and helping others within the dialysis community. A hero can be a nurse or technician who goes the extra mile for patients, a local volunteer, a patient who is beating the odds, or a family member who is a constant cheerleader. DPC is counting on you to capture the good deeds you see every day and identify the heroes among us.
If you are interested in nominating a DPC Hero, click on the link below to access the nomination form, or contact our office at 1-866-877-4242 or dpc@dialysispatients.org.
DPC Hero Printable Nomination Form
February Calendar of Events
DPC is happy to announce its list of activities for the month of February. Please let us know if you have any questions about DPC events or activities, and we hope you enjoy the month!
February is American Heart Month
February 20: Presidents’ Day (DPC Office is Closed)
February 26: Annual Dialysis Conference, San Antonio, TX (Event Information)
February 28: Patient Ambassador Call at 1:00 PM (Patient Ambassadors Only) *Please note the time and date change for the February call. *