Online Publication Date:
08 Dec 2020
Dramatic Improvement to Post-Transplant Care for U.S. Transplant Recipients

Bipartisan bill has been ASN's top legislative priority since 2009

Congress is passing the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act as part of priority year-end package.

This legislation extends Medicare coverage of live-saving immunosuppressive medications for kidney transplant patients for the life of the kidney transplant. Currently coverage is restricted to 36 months post transplant: patients who cannot obtain private coverage and are unable to afford the medications lose their transplanted kidney and return to dialysis. About 375 people annually are estimated to lose their kidney transplant because they cannot afford immunosuppressives.

 

Bipartisan bill has been ASN's top legislative priority since 2009

Congress is passing the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act as part of priority year-end package.

This legislation extends Medicare coverage of live-saving immunosuppressive medications for kidney transplant patients for the life of the kidney transplant. Currently coverage is restricted to 36 months post transplant: patients who cannot obtain private coverage and are unable to afford the medications lose their transplanted kidney and return to dialysis. About 375 people annually are estimated to lose their kidney transplant because they cannot afford immunosuppressives.

Decades of advocacy by ASN members, who have met with their members of Congress, written countless letters, and provided expert opinion have propelled this tremendous success.

In Medicare savings alone, this legislation is projected to save $400,000,000 over 10 years by reducing returns to dialysis.  

On behalf of kidney transplant recipients and the dedicated professionals who support and advocate for them, ASN celebrates this tremendous advance in care.

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