I never knew I was sick. I went to the doctor’s office for a routine
procedure, and the lab results sent me straight to the hospital. That was
how I learned my kidneys were failing. There was no warning and no
symptoms.
I was working at AT&T at the time and had private insurance that carried
me through. I received a kidney transplant. I was fortunate. My wife
worked, and I had faith, family and friends. Not everyone has these
luxuries.
Now, because of a recent Supreme Court ruling, private insurers can push
newly diagnosed dialysis patients off their coverage before the traditionalI never knew I was sick. I went to the doctor’s office for a routine procedure, and the lab results sent me straight to the hospital. That was how I learned my kidneys
were failing. There was no warning and no symptoms.
I was working at AT&T at the time and had private insurance that carried me through. I received a kidney transplant. I was fortunate. My wife worked, and I had faith, family and friends. Not everyone has these luxuries.
Now, because of a recent Supreme Court ruling, private insurers can push newly diagnosed dialysis patients off their coverage before the traditional 30-month buffer ends. That means gaps in treatment, forced doctor changes, and loss of stability that can make or break a patient’s care.
The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act would restore that 30-month safeguard. That’s why I’m urging Rep. Tom Cole and Sens. James Lankford and Alan Armstrong to support the bipartisan bill.
Kidney disease is a silent killer. It took root in me as a child, and I had no idea. Congress has the power to make this journey a little less devastating for those who come after me.
Edward White, Midwest City, Oklahoma
