Although people of color have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these same communities saw lower vaccination rates at the beginning of the vaccine rollout. READ MORE >>

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, President Biden signed an executive order creating a new special enrollment period (SEP) for Affordable Care Act health coverage. Learn more about the SEP, what it means for you and how you can sign up for insurance on our blog. READ MORE >>

From unemployment benefits to vaccine distribution, the federal government has provided funding for many key COVID-19 initiatives and programs over the past month. Check out our blog for a breakdown of the provisions that are important to the people we serve. READ MORE >>

Throughout the pandemic, there have been significant gaps and inconsistencies in data showing COVID-19's impact on minorities. This data is essential in responding to a public health emergency, which is why we are advocating for better data. READ MORE >>

During Kidney Action Week earlier this month, we hosted a Congressional briefing on the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color—the same communities also disproportionately impacted by kidney failure. READ MORE >>

As Congress continues to debate the next COVID-19 relief package and the yearly spending bills, they should include bipartisan legislation in both the House and Senate to stop surprise bills. Surprise bills are unexpected bills consumers receive that are not covered by coinsurance, copays or premiums. READ MORE >>

Health coverage is a necessity for people with kidney disease, but COVID-19 layoffs and cuts to salaries and working hours mean millions of Americans no longer qualify for their employers’ health insurance benefit. READ MORE >>

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the health disparities that have long impacted Black and Latino communities in the United States—communities already suffering from disproportionately higher rates of kidney disease and its two leading causes, diabetes and high blood pressure. READ MORE >>

As unemployment rates remain high and more people enroll in Medicaid as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, costs will go up. We're advocating for increased federal funding and legislation that would ensure kidney patients have access to the health care. READ MORE >>

COVID-19 has greatly impacted state budgets, meaning big cuts to Medicare programs may be necessary. We asked Congress to enhance Medicaid funding so those who rely on it to manage kidney disease and other conditions can continue to have access to care. READ MORE >>

Many of the hundreds of bills introduced in state legislatures across the country in early 2020 have come to a screeching halt because of COVID-19. It's not all bad news for kidney patients and living donors awaiting new legislation, though! READ MORE >>

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has been working to address health inequities for years to ensure that kidney patients are not left out of legislation that could help fix these important problems. READ MORE >>