Monthly Archives: July 2014

National Kidney Foundation Supports Legislation Protecting Living Organ Donors

Posted on July 30, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) supports the Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 5263) introduced today by Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), along with Representative Michael Burgess, MD (R-TX)  to promote organ donation and protect the rights of living donors. The NKF is … Continue reading →

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Medicare Beneficiaries with Kidney Failure Have the Highest Out-of-Pocket Spending

Posted on July 28, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

On July 21, 2014 the Kaiser Family Foundation released a report on out-of-pocket expenses paid by Medicare beneficiaries.  Not surprisingly, the report identified that individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have the highest out of pocket costs associated with their … Continue reading →

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Breaking News: Conflicting Court Rulings Create Confusion Around ACA Premium Subsidies

Posted on July 22, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

You may have heard today that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a 2-1 decision that could threaten the future of health insurance premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is relevant … Continue reading →

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Changes Proposed to the Way Quality of Care is Measured in Dialysis Facilities

Posted on July 17, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

As we explained last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule on July 3, 2014 that will change how dialysis facilities are paid and how quality in the facility is measured. Last week we … Continue reading →

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Meet with your Members of Congress

Posted on July 14, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

Your Members of Congress are working in their home states for the month of August, and you can schedule time to meet with them! While the letters you have been sending to Congress throughout the year are an integral part … Continue reading →

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Proposed Dialysis Payment Changes Could Hurt Rural Facilities

Posted on July 10, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

On July 2, 2014 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual proposed rule on dialysis payment and quality. This week, we address changes to the payment and its effect on patients’ access to dialysis. Next week, … Continue reading →

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End of Life Decisions for Dialysis Patients: Update on Proposed Medicare Rule

Posted on July 8, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

Dr. Beth Piraino, NKF President Currently dialysis patients who have a terminal illness that is unrelated to their kidney failure can choose to enter hospice care and still receive dialysis paid for by Medicare.  However, under a proposal by the … Continue reading →

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Empowering Kidney Patients to Make Informed Food Choices: A Dietitian Goes to Washington on Behalf of NKF and Patients Everywhere

Posted on July 1, 2014 by nkf _advocacy

The NKF has long advocated for food labels that will enable kidney patients as well as the general public to make informed choices about foods they consume. Last week, Lisa Gutekunst, a renal dietitian who serves on NKF’s Council on … Continue reading →

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