A KidneyBuzz.com viewer asked, "What is going on the the the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (H.R. 6139) which would extend anti-rejection drug coverage by Medicare from 36-months to the lifetime of a Kidney Transplant? Has it passed the Congress?"
Recommended Reading: Sign Petition To Extend Anti-Rejection Drug Coverage For Kidney Transplant Recipients
Many patients and loved ones in the Chronic Kidney Disease Community will be sad to know that the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (H.R. 6139) has died in the Congress, according to GovTrack (helps track the activities of the United States Congress). While this news is discouraging, it reminds us that without massive action from the community, our most important issues will be overlooked. Stand with us to take action on Kidney Transplant drug coverage.
Recommended Reading: Reducing Immunosuppressant Dosage May, In Fact, Improve Kidney Transplant Outcomes
As most know, a bill must be passed by both the House and Senate in identical form and then be signed by the President to become law. Unfortunately, H.R. 6139 was not enacted by the end of a Congress - meaning it has now been cleared from the books.
Recommended Reading: Unwanted Effects of Immunosuppressants and What Kidney Transplant Patients Can Do About It
By supporting lifetime immunosuppressive coverage, Congress will help improve long-term transplant outcomes, reduce the number of kidney patients who require another transplant and enable more patients to choose transplantation. Still, patients should know that H.R. 6139 was re-introduced in the previous Congressional Session. Hence, bills can be introduced for passage multiple times before being enacted.
Recommended Reading: Improved Immunosuppressant Medication Is Found To Cut Risks & Improve Transplanted Kidney Survival
Do not lose hope for lifetime Immunosuppressant Drug Coverage. Join us in petitioning Congress to once again re-introduce the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act and move swiftly to ratify the legislation:
If you are unable to afford your Anti-rejection Medication, then there are programs available to help. Send an email to contact@kidneybuzz.com and request more information.
Recommended Reading: Breakthrough Treatment Has Proven To Eliminate Need For Immunosuppressants After Kidney Transplant
Does the cost of Immunosuppressant Medication cause you to reconsider getting a Kidney Transplant? Your insights could be very helpful to other patients so share your responses with the nearly 62,000 friends who have liked the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Page. Also, consider following the nearly 160,000 monthly visitors on KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (#1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspirational Quotes, and tailored Products and Services which teach Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients how to better manage and improve their lives.