National Kidney Month

Happy National Kidney Month!  This month, across the United States DPC and our members are engaging in activities to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to help educate their fellow dialysis patients to better take control of their health.  By hosting awareness events at their local churches, shopping centers, and even the local department of transportation, patients with kidney disease are devoting time to teach others in their community about the impact of CKD and how to protect their kidney health.

In addition, on World Kidney Day, March 11,  in Washington, DC,  DPC Patient Ambassadors from across the country are joining with advocates from the National Kidney Foundation, American Kidney Fund, and American Society of Nephrology to speak to Congress about the need to work together to improve the health and quality of life for kidney patients.

It’s not too late to help pass along this important message.  Learn how you can get involved in National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day awareness by visiting www.wkdaction.org.

Health Care Update

On Monday, February 22, President Obama unveiled a $950 billion health care reform proposal, which includes several major elements from the previously passed U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reform bills.  Some of the components within the President’s proposal include reforms to the health insurance market, state-level exchanges for purchasing health insurance, and expanding Medicaid to help all Americans gain access to coverage.  

Following this announcement, on February 25, the White House held a Health Care Summit to bring together Republican and Democratic members of Congress to re-focus on health care reform, which had lost momentum in recent weeks. During the summit, some Members of Congress shared stories about the unmet health care needs of their constituents. 

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Medigap and
State Dialysis Days

The majority of states are facing extreme budget deficits for 2010.   Unlike the federal government, most states are constitutionally required to balance their budgets annually.  This means that states must either look for budget savings or raise taxes. 

Medicaid programs are often looked to for savings.  Last year, Arizona and other states cut Medicaid reimbursements for many services including dialysis treatments.  DPC members in many states lobbied against larger cuts in Medicaid reimbursements.  In attempt to ensure patient access to dialysis treatments and prevent the need for additional Medicaid cuts, DPC and other members of the kidney care community are working to expand Medigap supplemental insurance for all Medicare ESRD Patients.

• Arizona Residents:
  Send an email to your state lawmakers!
• South Carolina Residents:
  Emails are needed to your state lawmakers BEFORE Wednesday, March 10.

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Medicare Reviews
Anemia Treatment

On March 24, 2010 the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) at the request of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will meet to review the available evidence on the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs like Epogen® and Aranesp®) to manage anemia in patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

MEDCAC is made up of a panel of experts in clinical and administrative medicine, biologic and physical sciences, public health administration, patient advocacy, health care data and information management and analysis.  Their role is to review the latest evidence in medical technology and science and make recommendations to Medicare on the effectiveness and appropriateness of covering certain medications and treatments.

On March 24, MEDCAC will hear from experts in the kidney care community on the role of ESAs for the treatment of anemia in kidney patients.  The committee will then vote on recommendations to be made to CMS that could change the way anemia is treated in patients with kidney disease.

In order to ensure the patient’s voice is heard, DPC submitted written comments to MEDCAC. 

>Learn more about this meeting on the CMS website