It’s August recess, but that doesn’t mean taking a break from advocating!  We know many of you have written your Members of Congress to share your concerns about the impact the proposed cut to Medicare payment for dialysis will have on access to quality care.  Now we are asking for your help to meet face-to-face with your Members of Congress now that they have returned home to their districts.

District meetings often allow for more time to visit with your Member and discuss legislation that is truly important to you. So this month, we encourage you to reach out to meet with your Senators and Representatives. 

What should you meet about? 

You can spread the word to lawmakers about what Medicare’s proposed dialysis cuts could mean for people like you and the 350,000 individuals who rely on Medicare to provide life-saving dialysis treatment.  Ask that they do all they can to protect patients’ access to quality care. 

You can also remind your Members to sign onto the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage bill (S. 323 and H.R. 1428) if they haven’t already.  (Click here for a list of current cosponsors.)  If your Member is already a cosponsor, please thank them for their support! 

How do you schedule a meeting? 

It’s easy!  Call your Member’s DC office, ask for the “scheduler,” and request to schedule a meeting with your Member in their district office.  (For information on where your Members’ district offices are located, visit www.govtrack.us to find your Members’ web sites.)  Then let us know you have scheduled the meeting so we can send you some helpful fact sheets and information to give to your Members.

If you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to contact Erin Kahle, Constituent Services Director:  nkfadvocacy@kidney.org. 

Thank you for all you are doing as a National Kidney Foundation advocate!