Safeguard Medicaid for kidney patients' life-sustaining care

Cutting Medicaid would be extremely detrimental to millions of Americans with kidney disease who rely on it for life-sustaining care like dialysis, transplants, and essential medications. Around 75% of kidney patients depend solely on Medicaid coverage to access these crucial services. Without consistent Medicaid, they face grave risks such as missed dialysis treatments, limited access to specialists, inability to afford vital medications, and fewer opportunities for kidney transplants. A recent 2022 study even found that Medicaid expansion reduced hospitalizations by 8% for new dialysis patients by improving clinical preparation and ensuring dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage. Stripping Medicaid would jeopardize the health and independence of one of our most vulnerable patient populations. We urge policymakers to safeguard this essential program and uphold quality, affordable care for all kidney disease patients.