Today the US Senate passed the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act, extending Medicare coverage of life saving immunosuppressive medications for the life of the kidney transplant. This welcome advance will take effect in 2023.
This tremendous advance results from countless hours of advocacy by ASN members and stakeholders throughout the kidney and transplant communities
Today the US Senate passed the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act, extending Medicare coverage of life saving immunosuppressive medications for the life of the kidney transplant. This welcome advance will take effect in 2023.
This tremendous advance results from countless hours of advocacy by ASN members and stakeholders throughout the kidney and transplant communities
“I and so many of my colleagues in the kidney and transplant community have been fighting for years to extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs” said ASN Councilor and transplant nephrologist Barbara Murphy, MB BAO BCh, FRCPI.
“Extending coverage of immunosuppressive medications will make transplant care more accessible and equitable. I commend Congress for taking action to address this important issue.”
An estimated 375 adult kidney transplant recipients in the U.S. lose their transplant every year due to a lack of coverage of immunosuppressive medications after the 36-month Medicare coverage period. Beginning in 2023, Medicare will cover the cost of immunosuppressive drugs if no other coverage is available. A Congressional Budget Office analysis estimated the legislation will save Medicare more than $400,000,000 over the course of 10 years by averting a return of transplant patients to hemodialysis.
Extending drug coverage for the lifetime of the organ, a common-sense change with clear benefits for transplant patients, became a rallying cry for many in the kidney community.
ASN is honored to have played a part in moving forward this life-changing approach to kidney transplant care.
Read about Brian Hess, a patient advocate whose efforts were central to advancing this transformative legislation.
Read ASN's press release on this vital change to kidney care.
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