In the March issue of aakpRENALIFE, we predicted that 2003 would be the most important year for kidney patients in Washington since the Medicare entitlement to dialysis was enacted in 1972 - if Congress passes a Medicare prescription drug benefit. Although a Medicare drug bill has passed the House of Representatives twice, the Senate has been unable to pass the bill.

As this column goes to press in early June, Congress is gearing up for another debate on Medicare drug legislation. By the time you read this column, we should know whether bills have passed the House and Senate. As always, check out the latest "Advocacy and Public Policy" on the AAKP Web site (www.aakp.org) for the latest policy news and insight.

There are, of course, many other important public policy issues facing kidney patients. Two issues that AAKP has been working on recently are:

Medigap Applications: AAKP, together with other kidney organizations, asked the Medicare program to eliminate language in AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Medigap applications that might mislead kidney patients into thinking they are not eligible for an AARP Medigap policy because of kidney disease. In every state, Medicare beneficiaries who turn 65 (and in some states disabled beneficiaries) have six months to apply for Medigap and be guaranteed a policy regardless of any health conditions. Medigap is supplemental healthcare insurance to Medicare that provides Medicare beneficiaries important financial protection from medical costs not covered by Medicare.

In April, AARP agreed to amend its Medigap applications by eliminating the confusing language. This is a small but significant victory for kidney patients.

Most importantly, if you believe that you may have been unfairly denied AARP Medigap insurance in the past and would like to apply for a policy, please contact your state insurance commissioner for assistance.

Organ Donation Pilot Study Resolution: At the May AAKP Board meeting, the Board of Directors passed a resolution supporting pilot studies of financial incentives to the families of cadaveric organ donors in order to help address the continuing shortage of cadaveric kidneys for transplantation.

Indeed, there is growing interest of this issue in Washington , D.C. For example, on June 3, 2003 , a Congressional committee held hearings on this topic. For more information, click here.

As always, check the AAKP Web site for breaking news. 

Kris Robinson is the AAKP Executive Director

Washington Report, aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 19, No. 1, July 2003

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