Reps. Davis, Rush, Wenstrup, and Hollingsworth push bipartisan legislation to help people with kidney failure

Reps. Davis, Rush, Wenstrup, and Hollingsworth push
bipartisan legislation to help people with kidney failure

Washington, D.C. -- Democratic U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-7th) and Bobby L. Rush (IL-1st), along with Republican Representatives Brad Wenstrup (OH-2nd) and Trey Hollingsworth (IN-9th), co-introduced legislation to encourage the development of new medical devices used to treat and/or manage individuals diagnosed with end-stage renal disease
(ESRD), commonly referred to as kidney failure. Currently, there are approximately 400,000 Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD, representing 1% of the Medicare population. However, ESRD
patients account for approximately 7% of all Medicare spending. Rep. Davis said, “I strongly support research and development federal policies that would foster innovation for our Medicare beneficiaries living with kidney failure.”

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), when a patient has kidney disease, their kidneys have become damaged. Some of the factors that increase the risk of kidney damage include diseases, such as: diabetes; high blood pressure; blocked coronary arteries; and other ancillary health issues. Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States.

“We should be doing everything we can to improve ESRD patients’ quality of  life with kidney failure,” said Rep. Rush. “This legislation would spur much-needed medical innovation to support patients suffering from ESRD, who often have few therapeutic options. Black Americans are more than three times
more likely to suffer kidney failure than white Americans. Working to improve care for kidney patients has long been a top priority for me, and I am proud to join my friend and colleague, Rep. Davis, in introducing this important legislation.”

It is important to note that Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD have an estimated shorter lifespan than their counterparts without ESRD. In addition, ESRD patients are hospitalized nearly twice per year, contributing to higher health care costs, making their quality of life poorer as survival rates continue
to remain more challenging.

“As a physician, I’ve personally cared for patients with ESRD. Ensuring that they have access to innovative new devices is important,” said Rep. Wenstrup, D.P.M. “Our bipartisan effort
would ensure that the Transitional Add-on Payment Adjustment for New and Innovative Equipment and Supplies (TPNIES) program works to incentivize future kidney care innovation.”

“Hoosiers and Americans suffering from end-stage renal disease should have every opportunity to treat and manage their diagnosis,” said Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09). “The Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act fosters innovation and encourages the development of new medical devices to combat kidney disease, enabling those needing care to access effective treatments without government roadblocks.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ESRD, VISIT: https://www.cms.gov/ Medicare/Coordination-of-Benefits- and-Recovery/Coordination-of-Benefits- and-Recovery-Overview/End- Stage-Renal-Disease-ESRD/ESRD

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

The Importance of having that uncomfortable conversation