The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act

Years ago, dedicated Long Island TRIO volunteers worked overtime corresponding with members of Congress obtaining support and co-sponsors for The Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA). Florence and Jerry Sosna led a letter writing campaign and were able to obtain hundreds of signatures signing each letter to members of Congress. There was a significant response from members of Congress and members of their staff. The bills became law and it improved the lives of so many people. The Benefits Improvement and Protection Act expanded Medicare coverage for post transplantation immunosuppressants for transplant recipients age 65 and older and others eligible for Medicare beyond their end-stage renal disease (ESRD) status.

This helped save lives.

Now, The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act H.R. 1428, and S. 323 will help renal transplant recipients obtain life enhancing immunosuppressive medications necessary to preserve the viability of their transplanted kidney that restored their life.

Currently, those impacted with Kidney Failure or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are covered through the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for dialysis treatment.

With respect to kidney transplant recipients, those who are over 65 and those who are disabled receive lifetime coverage. Unfortunately, CMS coverage for kidney transplant recipients who are not 65 or older or disabled is terminated 36 months after kidney transplant. This bill will extend CMS coverage solely for immunosuppressive medications that the kidney transplant recipient must take indefinitely.

We will let you know when it’s time once again to write letters to members of Congress in order to let them know that you support the Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act. In the past few years, the bill found great support in Congress and had many co-sponsors. The bill went to committee last year but did not move along to the important steps necessary for it to be discussed on the senate floor in the Senate and in the House. We’ll need your help soon so we can advocate on behalf of recipients and their families.

Long Island TRIO supports post transplantation immunosuppressant coverage for all transplant recipients.