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In this issue:
Major Win for Dialysis Patients in California
Federal Policy Update
Nominate a DPC Hero
November is American Diabetes Month
November Calendar of Events
Nominate a DPC Hero
November is American Diabetes Month
November Calendar of Events
Major Win for Dialysis Patients in California
Earlier this year during the state budget process, California proposed several cuts to the Medi-Cal program. One proposal that was eventually adopted restricts Medi-Cal coverage of oral nutritional supplements for adults over 21 years old. The language of the statute provides exemptions for adults who are tube-fed, have an inborn metabolic disorder, and/or suffer from a mal-absorption issue. DPC engaged in a campaign in California to make sure that dialysis patients are included in this exemption language.
After DPC sent comment letters and our California activists engaged in a grassroots campaign, DPC received a favorable reply from the Department of Health Care Services! Going forward, patients with kidney disease and a co-morbidity mal-absorption diagnosis, who require specialized elemental or semi-elemental enteral nutrition products, may still receive Medi-Cal coverage of these products.
As before the changes to the law, a Treatment Authorization Request is still required for coverage but Medi-Cal beneficiaries denied coverage who believe the denial was in error, can ask for a state hearing by calling the California Department of Social Services at 1-800-743-8525 or 1-800-952-5253.
After DPC sent comment letters and our California activists engaged in a grassroots campaign, DPC received a favorable reply from the Department of Health Care Services! Going forward, patients with kidney disease and a co-morbidity mal-absorption diagnosis, who require specialized elemental or semi-elemental enteral nutrition products, may still receive Medi-Cal coverage of these products.
As before the changes to the law, a Treatment Authorization Request is still required for coverage but Medi-Cal beneficiaries denied coverage who believe the denial was in error, can ask for a state hearing by calling the California Department of Social Services at 1-800-743-8525 or 1-800-952-5253.
Federal Policy Update
October was a busy month for DPC’s federal policy initiatives.
On October 3, DPC joined a coalition of other kidney patient groups in sending a letter to the Chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Super Committee). The letter, also signed by the American Kidney Fund, National Kidney Foundation and Renal Support Network, highlighted policy proposals that would help preserve health care coverage and access for ESRD patients, while producing meaningful Medicare savings.
You can read the full letter here.
Last month, DPC also provided comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions in the Individual Market: Eligibility Determinations; Exchange Standards for Employers (CMS-9974-P) proposed rule. In the letter, DPC reiterated its support for ensuring that ESRD patients have access to premium credits and cost-sharing subsidies in the health insurance exchanges created by the health insurance reform legislation.
You can read the full letter here.
Additionally, DPC provided the patient perspective to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) on the new “KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in CKD.” DPC weighed in on several changes to clinical guidelines that KDIGO is considering.
For more information on KDIGO, please click here.
Last month, DPC also provided comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions in the Individual Market: Eligibility Determinations; Exchange Standards for Employers (CMS-9974-P) proposed rule. In the letter, DPC reiterated its support for ensuring that ESRD patients have access to premium credits and cost-sharing subsidies in the health insurance exchanges created by the health insurance reform legislation.
You can read the full letter here.
Additionally, DPC provided the patient perspective to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) on the new “KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in CKD.” DPC weighed in on several changes to clinical guidelines that KDIGO is considering.
For more information on KDIGO, please click here.
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
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
November is American Diabetes Month
Did you know diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure in the United States? November is American Diabetes Month, a great time to dedicate yourself to educating others about the link between diabetes and kidney disease. This month offers a great way for patients around the country to raise awareness about diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis care. All patients are encouraged to get involved. One great way you can do this is by sharing your personal story of living with kidney disease.
We encourage you to reach out to your local newspaper, radio, or television station to raise awareness for CKD by highlighting the impact diabetes can have on kidney patients. One common way to reach out to local media is to write a ‘Letter to the Editor.’ A letter to the editor is a short letter for publication in a newspaper to inform readers of issues in the community.
Please personalize all letters to make them your own and contact your local media outlets to find out how to submit your letter. If you would like guidance or help with writing your Letter to the Editor or with contacting your local media outlets please give us a call toll free at 1-866-877-4242.
We encourage you to reach out to your local newspaper, radio, or television station to raise awareness for CKD by highlighting the impact diabetes can have on kidney patients. One common way to reach out to local media is to write a ‘Letter to the Editor.’ A letter to the editor is a short letter for publication in a newspaper to inform readers of issues in the community.
Please personalize all letters to make them your own and contact your local media outlets to find out how to submit your letter. If you would like guidance or help with writing your Letter to the Editor or with contacting your local media outlets please give us a call toll free at 1-866-877-4242.
November Calendar of Events
DPC is happy to announce its list of activities for the month of November. Please let us know if you have any questions about DPC events or activities, and we hope you enjoy November!
November is American Diabetes Month
November 11: Veteran’s Day (DPC offices will be closed for the holiday)
November 8-13: American Society of Nephrology Renal Week, Philadelphia, PA. More information here.
November 15: Patient Ambassador Monthly Call (open to Patient Ambassadors only).
November 24-25: Thanksgiving (DPC office will be closed for the holiday)