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 Dear Friend,
It's time to take action! Right now the U.S. Senate is writing the heavily debated health care bill. Let's make sure it includes access to immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the kidney transplant through Medicare - S. 565, Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009. Currently, Medicare only pays for immunosuppressant drugs for the first 36 months after a kidney transplant. After the 36 month time period, it's up to the patient to pay for the expensive drugs. Many patients just can't afford the high priced prescriptions and face organ rejection. Just ask Melissa Whitaker - a two time kidney transplant recipient who fears losing a second kidney because she won't be able to afford to continue taking her medications after her 36 month grace period ends. Her story was featured in the online edition of the New York Times September 14, 2009. She is one of thousands of kidney transplant recipients without health care insurance who may lose their transplanted kidney because they cannot afford their anti-rejection medication.
Medicare spends an average of $71,000 per year for each individual who is on dialysis. A kidney transplant costs Medicare $106,000 on average during the first year following the transplant. Thereafter, Medicare spends only $17,000 annually on average for individuals with a working kidney transplant. Not only does it make moral sense to support S. 565, Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2009, but it also makes financial sense.
Make your voice heard. Contact your Senate leader today and advocate for S.565 or its inclusion on other health reform bills under consideration in the Senate! Share how kidney disease has affected you or a loved one.
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