On World Kidney Day, Kidney Care Partners amplifies its efforts for policy change to improve care for 37 million Americans, advocating for patient choice, innovation, and equitable access.
In a significant move to mark World Kidney Day, Kidney Care Partners (KCP), the nation’s premier coalition of kidney care stakeholders, has intensified its campaign for policy reforms aimed at enhancing patient choice, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable care for the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease. The coalition’s efforts underscore the urgent need to address the systemic challenges that obstruct access to quality care and the development of advanced treatments in the field of nephrology.
KCP, representing a broad spectrum of voices including patient advocates, physicians, health professionals, dialysis providers, researchers, and manufacturers, is advocating for a series of critical policy priorities. These include restoring patient choice in treatment plans, ensuring fair reimbursement for cutting-edge products, securing inclusive coverage under Medicare Advantage, and pressing for a pause in the implementation of certain drug inclusions in the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) bundle.
One of the key legislative goals highlighted by KCP is the restoration of statutory protections for individuals with kidney disease, which were compromised by a recent Supreme Court ruling. The coalition aims to counteract the effects of this decision through the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act (H.R. 6860), striving to shield patients from unfair and discriminatory insurance practices. This move highlights the covenant between patient rights and the overarching principles governing healthcare, ensuring patients have autonomy over their treatment choices.
The advocacy also extends to the imperative for better reimbursement policies for innovative kidney care products. Historically, the sector has contended with insufficient funding, which has significantly impeded research and development of novel treatments. By championing fair compensation under Medicare, KCP is determined to stimulate the creation and accessibility of next-generation therapies, potentially transforming the kidney care landscape and improving patient outcomes significantly.
Furthermore, with an increasing number of ESRD beneficiaries opting for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, KCP is pushing for legislative adjustments to guarantee that all patients have access to comprehensive coverage. This is particularly crucial for patients navigating the complexities of kidney disease management, as it ensures a broader accessibility spectrum irrespective of geographical or economic barriers.
Another pressing concern is the scheduled inclusion of oral-only phosphate-lowering drugs in the ESRD PPS bundle. KCP is advocating for a delay in this policy’s implementation, citing substantial compliance challenges that could arise. The unique administration requirements of these medications mean their inclusion could potentially hinder patient and provider compliance, impacting patient care quality.
Dr. Mahesh Krishnan, the chairman of KCP, underscores the significance of these policy reforms, emphasizing that the advancement of such policies has never been more critical. By focusing on these strategic priorities, the coalition aims to bolster the framework of kidney care, championing both innovation in treatment and the patient’s right to quality and equitable healthcare services.
The concerted efforts of Kidney Care Partners on World Kidney Day not only highlight the challenges faced by millions but also illuminate the potential for impactful reforms in kidney care. As the coalition presses forward with its advocacy, the path towards a more inclusive, innovative, and patient-centric kidney care ecosystem becomes increasingly attainable, promising better outcomes for those affected by kidney disease in the United States and potentially setting a benchmark for global nephrology care standards.
