made mistake in last posting re NKF message. Here it is

[Transplant2018]

TELL CONGRESS TO PROTECT MEDICAID TODAY!

You may have heard that Congress is considering proposals to cut benefits and limit access to Medicaid, a healthcare benefit that serves over 80 million Americans and provides coverage for long-term care, substance abuse treatment, children with disabilities, and over 40% of all childbirths in the US. THERE IS A HEARING IN CONGRESS TODAY ABOUT THESE PROPOSED CUTS.

Most importantly for us, almost half of kidney failure patients in the US utilize Medicaid to help pay for medications, transportation to dialysis appointments, and payment for dialysis. Medicaid helps patients access early detection and preventative treatment, and data shows that if a kidney disease patient loses insurance coverage, they are 47% more likely to progress to kidney failure within two years. Medicaid also covers transplant and post-transplant medications. Medicaid is an essential healthcare program for kidney patients.

That is why we are asking you to PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY and TELL CONGRESS TO PROTECT MEDICAID. Once you have completed the emails, the phone calls, and the social media posts, please share this alert with your friends and family. We all benefit when patients have access to healthcare and don’t have to rely on expensive and crowded Emergency Rooms for their necessary treatments.

[Bassetmommer]

I'm confused..... if you are an end stage renal patient, you go to Medicare automatically....

Yes, dialysis patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may qualify for Medicare, regardless of age. medicare.gov/basics/end-sta...

[LisaSnow in reply to Bassetmommer]

The original message is not confusing at all. You are also correct and show how important Medicare (and Midicaid) is to protect patients in the group. This is exactly why we need to contact our representatives to ensure that the new administration does not cut benefits and limit access to Medicaid and Medicare, the essential healthcare benefits all of us need or will need.

[Transplant2018 in reply to LisaSnow]

I deleted my earlier post in which I was unsuccessful in copying the NKF letter - that's what I was referring to.

[Eyak1971]

Taking action by notifying your representatives is important, but it has been reported time, and again, most reps on both sides are avoiding their constituents, whether by phone or with town halls. We are a bother to them. We really have surpassed the point where Congress is paying attention. Democrats feel they only have to wait until the next election, and Republicans are now too fearful to speak out. When older people like myself start dying on the streets of our cities and medical facilities can no longer stay open financially, maybe at that point, politicians will say enough is enough. But until then, do not expect much help at the top. Money has bought politicians in both parties. Like many large entities today, people are expendable. Welcome to being expendable.

[Darlenia]

All medical programs including medication supply and distribution are vulnerable now - My husband received a notice today from a major pharmacy company that they now can only give him a month's worth of Dexcom sensors (for continuous glucose monitoring) due to "lack of supply". I don't know what's driving this but it's concerning. My husband has Medicare and a United supplement plan.

[LisaSnow in reply to Darlenia]

It is for sure a very stressful time for everyone, whether they know the threats or not!