Congressman Jason Smith introduces bipartisan legislation to Improve Care for Patients with Kidney Failure
Jul 8, 2016
Press Release
Congressman Jason Smith introduces bipartisan legislation to Improve Care for Patients with Kidney Failure
Smith Bill would increase insurance coverage options for those with serious Kidney Illnesses
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced legislation to help increase choice & care options for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). H.R. 5659, the Expanding Seniors Receiving Dialysis’ Choice Act of 2016, or ESRD Choice Act, will remove current government rules and restrictions preventing ESRD patients from accessing more flexible and managed care plans targeted to those with chronic medical conditions.
Upon introduction, Smith remarked, “Over 11,000 individuals in Missouri are currently living with ERSD. Patients suffering from ESRD are those most in need of affordable and flexible high-quality care. For too long these patients have been told by the federal government that for no good reason they are being denied access to certain care and coverage options.” Smith continued, “That’s why I’m pleased to introduce the ESRD Choice Act with a group of bipartisan colleagues. The legislation helps ensure some of our most vulnerable patients can have the care options they want and they deserve, the care options of their choice. I’m especially encouraged that with this bill, low-income beneficiaries will have the option to choose a plan which helps minimize their out of pocket expenses and ensures that a serious medical condition isn’t the devastating financial burden it can so often be. These are the solutions Americans deserve, and these are the solutions I will continue to deliver as we work to improve our health care system.”
There are more than 640,000 Americans living with kidney failure, or ESRD. However, patients with the pre-existing condition of ESRD are currently the only group specifically denied the ability to enroll in the more flexible care plans such as Medicare Advantage. The Smith bill would allow these patients to access the coverage plan of their choice without interference from the government telling them they are denied coverage.