President signs bill that gives ESRD patients access to Medicare Advantage
December 14, 2016
Published by Nephrology News & Issues
President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act Dec. 13. The legislation, which addresses funding for the National Institutes of Health and makes regulatory changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, also includes a provision that allows end-stage renal disease patients to choose Medicare Advantage plans. The bill was approved by the Senate Dec. 7 by a vote of 94-5, and passed through the House of Representatives on Nov. 30 by a 392-26 margin.
“KCP believes the care coordination offered through Medicare Advantage plans provides a crucial option for individuals with kidney failure,” said Kidney Care Partners chair Franklin W. Maddux, MD. “We appreciate the years of work that have gone into Cures and thank our bipartisan Members of Congress for including language that will increase treatment and plan options for those suffering with advanced kidney disease.”