Miller, Sewell Introduce the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) in introducing the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act. This legislation will expand the Medicare Annual Wellness Benefit to include kidney disease screening, support innovative kidney therapies within the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) payment bundle, and encourage the kidney care workforce in rural and underserved areas.

Click here for bill text.

“West Virginia has the highest mortality rate of chronic kidney disease in the country, and I am working to change that. The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act is exactly what my constituents need,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Being on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, I’m focused on legislation that will benefit the health and wellbeing of my state. This bill will provide the necessary resources and affordable access to treatment for patients suffering with chronic kidney disease in communities across West Virginia and the country. This is the first step in preventing the ‘silent killer’ from taking more American lives.”
 
“Tens of millions of Americans are impacted by kidney disease,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “For too many Alabamians, its negative health effects are accompanied by financial challenges and barriers to receiving care. Increasing access to quality, affordable health care continues to be one of my top priorities in Congress, and I’m so proud to introduce the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act with Congresswoman Miller. This legislation will make critical improvements to the way patients with kidney disease, especially those in underserved communities, access and receive care.”
 
“From expanding prevention and education resources to encouraging the development of breakthrough technologies and treatments, the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act sets the stage for the future of kidney care,” said John P. Butler, Chair of Kidney Care Partners (KCP). “We thank Representatives Miller and Sewell for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important bill.”
 
“It’s long been clear that Americans battling kidney disease deserve more from our healthcare system” said LaVarne Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Kidney Fund (AKF). “The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act will help ensure that all Americans have equitable access to the health services they need and deserve.”
 
“This legislation is a significant step forward in improving our nation’s kidney care system,” said Lori Hartwell, Founder and President of the Renal Support Network (RSN). “Together, in supporting this bill, we can pave the way for improved treatments, breakthroughs, and provide hope for people living with kidney disease.”
 
“Even with Medicare coverage, out-of-pocket copays and deductibles can add up to roughly $18,000 per dialysis patient,” said Hrant Jamgochian, J.D., LL.M., Chief Executive Officer, Dialysis Patient Citizens. “Thankfully, this bill will allow all ESRD Medicare beneficiaries access to Medigap policies regardless of age – a key policy change that will offer significant financial relief for Medicare beneficiaries receiving life-saving dialysis treatments.”
 
Background:

• Chronic kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in West Virginia.

• According to the Centers and Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults (14%) are estimated to have chronic kidney disease - 9 out of 10 of those adults don’t know they have chronic kidney disease.

• In 2019, treating Medicare beneficiaries with chronic kidney disease cost $87.2 billion, and treating people with End Stage Renal Disease cost an additional $37.3 billion.  

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