Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Response from my GA Senator Saxby Chambliss

My concern was that Medicare will pay for everything a kidney dialysis patient needs. Once you get a transplant, not so much. They will fully pay your medications for 3 years or 36 months from the date of your transplant and cut you dry. Immunosuppressive drug are highly expensive and unless you are rich or continue to do fundraising you will eventually run out of funds for your medications.

The dialysis business is a billion dollar industry and yet they do not want to give just 1% of their income to help people pay for those life-saving drugs they need. It's always about money.....




Dear Ms. Romain:
 
Thank you for contacting me regarding S.  1454 , the "Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 20 11 ."  It is good to hear from you.
 
Organ transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive drugs daily for the life of the transplant in order to prevent rejection of the organ by the body.  The Medicare End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program pays for dialysis, transplantation, and immunosuppressive drugs for kidney disease patients.  However, the program ends its coverage after 36 months for those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. 
 
S.  1454 was introduced on  July 29, 2011 , and was referred to the Committee on Finance.  This legislation would   provide immunosuppressive drug coverage through Medicare Part B for all ESRD transplant recipients beyond the 36 month coverage limit.  Should  this legislation  come before the full Senate , I will keep your thoughts in mind.
 
I understand the need to improve benefits under the Medicare program, and we are making efforts to guarantee the viability and vitality of the program.  As a member of the United States Senate, I will continue to work to make sure our federal health care programs provide the best possible treatment our country has to offer.
 
If you would like to receive timely email alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my website at:  www.chambliss.senate.gov .  Please let me know whenever I may be of assistance. 

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