Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly, along with fellow Representatives Yvette Clarke, Neal Dunn, Danny Davis, John Joyce, and Raul Ruiz, have reintroduced the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) maintain access to private healthcare while protecting the Medicare Trust Fund.

The bill responds to a 2022 Supreme Court decision that allowed private health plans to shift ESRD patients prematurely onto Medicare. This has disrupted coverage for many patients and their families while placing a financial burden on taxpayers.

Rep. Kelly emphasized the importance of this legislation: "This legislation is critical for Americans living with End Stage Renal Disease and who rely on dialysis." He expressed gratitude towards his colleagues for supporting this vital measure.

Congresswoman Clarke highlighted the broader impact on communities of color: "The tens of millions of Americans across our nation today who are fighting kidney disease should not face the danger of a disruption in coverage due to reasons beyond their control."

Congressman Dunn also stressed the need for stability in insurance coverage for ESRD patients undergoing dialysis treatments. Rep. Joyce echoed these sentiments, noting that fear of losing care should not be a concern for these patients.

LaVarne Burton from the American Kidney Fund praised Congress members for introducing this act which ensures insurance plans provide necessary care to dialysis patients. Mahesh Krishnan from Kidney Care Partners urged lawmakers to pass the act promptly.

Originally introduced by Rep. Kelly in December 2023, this legislation seeks to address changes following a Supreme Court ruling that affected how health plans manage ESRD patient coverage under Medicare Secondary Payer Act guidelines established in 1981.