People who have chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, HIV or kidney disease have always been challenged when it comes to insurance coverage. There was a time when insurance companies could deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, so when people needed insurance the most —when they got really ill and needed care—they didn’t have it. READ MORE >>

Last week, to kick off National Kidney Month, American Kidney Fund (AKF) patient-advocates from around the country came to Washington to educate their elected officials about the financial challenges kidney patients experience, and to urge lawmakers to put an end to discriminatory practices among some health insurers. READ MORE >>

Kidney disease causes expensive, painful and debilitating complications that prevent many patients from working and earning an income. To support people in this difficult situation, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits as a financial resource. READ MORE >>

AKF Advocate Ron Krokey is passionate about spreading the word about kidney disease. He joined 11 other Advocates in Washington, D.C., in March for a series of meetings with legislators. Here’s what he had to say about his experience. READ MORE >>

UNOS is adjusting its kidney allocation policy to better account for the biologic needs of people with immune system sensitivity and maximize the use of kidneys. In his Kidney Today blog post, Richard Formica, M.D., chair of the OPTN/UNOS Kidney Transplantation Committee, explains the new criteria. READ MORE >>

Meet Audrey Adamson, a patient-advocate with the American Kidney Fund, who in March joined us for our annual Kidney Action Day on Capitol Hill. Audrey is one of many inspirational advocates in the American Kidney Fund's Advocacy Network who is raising awareness for kidney disease research and prevention. READ MORE >>

Among minorities, the need for kidney transplants is disproportionately high, so donations are essential. Anthony Brown, a patient-advocate with American Kidney Fund, shared his story about donating one of his kidneys to his mother last year on World Kidney Day. Anthony is one of many inspirational advocates in the American Kidney Fund network who has donated a kidney to a friend or family member. READ MORE >>

Last year on World Kidney Day, when I was 25 years old, I donated my left kidney to my mother. In my experience, donating a kidney to my mother was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The reality is you only need one kidney to survive. And for most kidney patients, a kidney transplant is a chance for a better life. READ MORE >>

Earlier this month, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) hosted 10 advocates from our Advocacy Network in Washington to meet with legislators and raise awareness for kidney disease prevention, education and research. We sat down with one patient-advocate, Monica Jemison from Waukegan, Ill., to hear about her experience on Capitol Hill. READ MORE >>

The nation’s patient advocacy organizations alerted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and members of Congress to the negative impact its proposed policy change would have on transplant patients’ health. CMS listened. READ MORE >>

Proposed changes to Medicare Part D could limit kidney transplant patients’ access to some anti-rejection medicines. We’re urging CMS to maintain coverage for these medications. READ MORE >>