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Urge Your Members of Congress to Cosponsor H.R. 2199/S. 1173 – The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act |
Last year, The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act was introduced by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Neal Dunn, MD (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), John Joyce, MD (R-PA) and Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA) as well as Senators Bill Cassidy MD (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would restore protections for ESRD patients and allow them to stay on the insurance coverage of their choice for up to 30 months.
It is important that we start the new year with a strong grassroots push to help us build on our current momentum, and to let Congress know that this issue is not going away – they need to take action now. Thank you again for your continued advocacy efforts.
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| One Week Left to Apply – 2026 Advocacy Day |
Applications for DPC’s 2026 Advocacy Day are due next Friday, January 30th! Be sure to submit your application for a chance to come to Washington, D.C., June 29 – 30, 2026, and speak with your members of Congress about important pieces of legislation that will help improve the lives of kidney patients.
Participants will be selected based on the quality of their application, legislative priorities, and previous involvement in DPC’s advocacy efforts. We will hold a training session ahead of our advocacy day for those participating to explain the process and review the legislation.
If you are interested, please complete the application by January 30, 2026.
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| Open Enrollment Deadlines for Texas Dialysis Patients |
In a major victory for under age 65 Texans living on dialysis, House Bill 2516 became law in 2025. HB 2516 provides access for under-age 65 dialysis patients to purchase affordable Medigap insurance plans A, B and D at the same premium rate as those who are age 65. The remaining Medigap lettered plans are available at 200% of the age 65 premium.
This legislation impacts not only individuals who have just started dialysis and enrolled in Medicare Part B, but it also includes a one-time, 6-month open enrollment window for dialysis patients who are already enrolled in Medicare Part B. This one-time open enrollment window began on December 1, 2025 and ends on June 1, 2026. Applications for coverage submitted after June 1st will be subject to medical rating, and premiums will be more expensive.
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Patient Ambassador Spotlight: |
Check out our Patient Ambassador Spotlight, where we highlight members who elevate the voices of people with kidney disease.
This month’s Spotlight is on Derek Powers from Union, Michigan.
Derek has lived with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) since he was 9 and has spent over 20 years on dialysis. He now does treatments at home, several times a week.
He has been able to work for most of his adult life, which provided reliable private insurance from his employers to help cover the costs of treatment and doctors’ appointments. That coverage has helped him stay independent and maintain his health. Recently though, Derek became quite ill and had to stop working. His only option to supplement Medicare became a private plan costing him $750 a month just to keep access to his life-saving care. That’s why he’s urging his Congressman, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, to cosponsor H.R. 2199/S. 1173 – The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act. The bill would protect new dialysis patients from being pushed off their private insurance too soon, even if they’re working, ensures patients have a fair chance to maintain the coverage they’ve earned.
Many patients may not qualify for Medicaid and, similar to Derek, be left to fill in costly gaps. Those gaps can be financially devastating, especially during the first months of treatment when patients are adjusting to a new way of life. Having experienced what a financial challenge this can be, Derek is hopeful that no other patients have to go through that challenge, which is why supports H.R. 2199/S. 1173 – The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act.
Patient Ambassadors represent DPC by serving as leaders in their community and local dialysis facilities. Learn more about this critical role and make a difference in the lives of dialysis patients by applying for DPC's Patient Ambassador program. |
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