Advocating for Kidney Patients

The American Kidney Fund advocates for policies to improve the health of millions of Americans and their families who are living with, or are at risk of developing, kidney disease. Join AKF's Growing Advocacy Network!

ACTION ALERT: AKF Urges Advocates to Protect Medicare and the Lives of Kidney Patients

The recently-formed Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (commonly referred to as the ‘Super Committee’) is working to identify $1.2 trillion in savings from the federal budget by the end of the year.  If they fail to reach this goal, automatic cuts will be triggered throughout the federal government, including an across-the-board reduction in Medicare by up to two percent.  The American Kidney Fund has taken action to protect the Medicare ESRD benefit by joining with the kidney care community and sending a letter to the Super Committee.  AKF advocates are encouraged to contact Congress urging them to protect Medicare’s ESRD Benefit and the lives of kidney patients. To send your letter to Congress, visit the Kidney Care Partners Advocacy Center and enter your zip code.  

AKF Comments on Health Exchange Regulation

The American Kidney Fund recently submitted its comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the initial regulations released in July concerning the establishment of health insurance exchanges. The American Kidney Fund supports the creation of health insurance exchanges as mandated by the Affordable Care Act, but has raised concerns about the ability of kidney patients to access adequate, affordable coverage in plans offered in an exchange. Read AKF’s recent comment letter.

AKF Comments on Proposed Bundled Payment and QIP Regulations

On August 30, 2011 the American Kidney Fund submitted its comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on CMS’ Proposed Rule for the ESRD bundled payment system in 2012, and the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP) in 2013 and 2014. Read AKF’s comment letter to CMS. For more information on these proposed regulations and the impact on dialysis facilities, please visit the CMS website.

HHS Releases Health Insurance Exchange Regulations

On July 11, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its initial proposal for the establishment of health insurance exchanges, created as part of health care reform in the Affordable Care Act.  The American Kidney Fund is focused on ensuring that kidney patients continue to have access to affordable healthcare under the exchanges.  In June, prior to the initial regulations being released, AKF sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging CMS to take into consideration the special needs of kidney patients when developing the framework for the exchanges.  AKF will file further comments in the coming weeks.

CMS Releases Proposed Rule for Bundled Payment System and ESRD Quality Incentive Program

On July 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Proposed Rule addressing both the ESRD Prospective Payment System (PPS) in 2012 and the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP) in payment years 2013 and 2014.  For more information on these proposed regulations and the impact on dialysis facilities, please visit the CMS website.  AKF will file comments on the Rule in the coming weeks. 

CMS Finalizes Decision on Anemia Drug Coverage

On June 20, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its decision not to alter its reimbursement policy for erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) use by kidney patients.  This decision confirms what CMS announced in March—that it lacked sufficient information to issue a national coverage determination on ESA use for kidney patients. This continues to be a win for kidney patients, who will continue to have access to these medications, which in most instances allow them to have a better quality of life. Read AKF's testimony before MEDCAC and its testimony before the Food and Drug Administration on this issue.

D.C. Mayor and Congresswoman Support Kidney Action Day

On June 11, the American Kidney Fund hosted its Kidney Action Day at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton attended the event and presented remarks she entered into the Congressional Record. Mayor Vincent Gray proclaimed June 11 as Kidney Awareness Day in the District of Columbia. Learn More 

AKF Submits Comment Letter on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

On June 3, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on its Proposed Rule for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). AKF urged CMS to implement a pilot program to allow dialysis facilities and nephrologists to establish integrated care models that improve quality and increase efficiencies for patient populations with kidney failure. The public comment period ended on June 6. Read More