The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee gave a gift to kidney transplant patients on March 11th, the day before World Kidney Day, when it unanimously passed the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (H.R. 5534).
During opening comments, Subcommittee Chairwoman Eshoo (D-CA) shared the sentiments of the members present saying that the coverage gap for immunosuppressive drugs “doesn’t make any sense.” Congressman Burgess (R-TX), the lead Republican sponsor of the legislation, followed her, stating “a kidney transplant is an investment that the government makes in a person’s future. Unfortunately, the investment is lost and the patient’s health is jeopardized if they lose coverage for immunosuppressive drugs.”
Today’s action from the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee marks an important first step towards passage by the House of Representatives. In order to move it through the next few steps, however, we need more Representatives and Senators to co-sponsor the bill. Please click here to write your Senators and Representatives.
Thank you to all our advocates who have helped us champion this cause; together we will pass this significant legislation.
Advocacy in Action 
If this bill doesn’t pass and become law I will continue to address my congressman on this matter.
This bill can’t possibly have any detractors. Support from my Representative Chip Roy R-21st district of Texas is anticipated and would be wholeheartedly appreciated.
Please give patients the support and the courage to pursue transplant and to not continue to live lives tethered to dialysis machines.
Please pass
I know two different people who have received a kidney transplant. One is a young mother with a husband and 4 children. Making the drugs affordable that people need in order to live with a donated kidney is imperative for their quality of life. Please help these people with coverage to pay for these drugs.
My son is a kidney transplant recipient please give these lived ones the support they need.
Please!! If I loose coverage I will not be able to afford my transplant medicine. I’m on 3 different kinds. And I’ve done everything to keep my new kidney healthy and have a new life. Please don’t make it where I have no coverage. I have waited 15 years for my new life and I want to keep enjoying it.
Thank you.
Venus Fields
Please pass!