The Kidney Community’s Response to COVID-19

As the nation works to contain the COVID-19 virus, the kidney care community is working tirelessly to protect patients, care providers, and the communities we serve.

For the more than 37 million individuals living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplants, COVID-19 poses a serious risk. These individuals are often vulnerable and have multiple disease conditions to manage and those with ESRD depend on multiple dialysis treatments per week, in most cases in-person, to survive.

Kidney care providers, who continue to care for their patients, are on the frontlines of care during this crisis. By maintaining current coordinated care programs for these individuals, providers can help patients avoid costly hospital re-admissions at a time when the healthcare system is overwhelmed by new COVID-19 cases.

Through resources for health professionals, emergency funds for those on dialysis, new stipends to support frontline care providers, educational materials for patients, collaborations among providers, and more, the community has jumped into action and stands ready to work with Congress and the Administration.

As the pandemic continues to evolve, KCP will support and advocate for flexibilities and other policies that help best address the COVID-19 pandemic for those living with CKD, individuals receiving dialysis treatments, and kidney transplant recipients, by:

Educating policymakers and Members of Congress about the impact of COVID-19 on individuals living with kidney disease.

Educating Congress on the healthcare workforce shortage, particularly as it relates to the vaccine mandates.

Working with the Congress and the administration to break down legislative and regulatory barriers to promote patient access to therapies available in the home setting when available during the pandemic.

Advocating for the prioritization of patients on dialysis and the health care professionals and staff who care for them.

KCP Resources

KCP Applauds New White House Partnership with Outpatient Dialysis Clinics to Vaccinate Individuals with Kidney Failure

KCP Calls for Increased Protections for Individuals with Kidney Disease Impacted by COVID-19

KCP Statement on the Coronavirus Relief Package

Kidney Community to Administration, Congress: Make Sure Vulnerable Patients Are Among the First in Line for COVID-19 Vaccine

KCP Letter to the CDC Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Access

KCP Letter to Congressional Leadership Regarding COVID-9 Requests

KCP Letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar Regarding COVID-19 Efforts

KCP Letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma on COVID-19 Efforts

KCP Letter to Congress Requesting NIDDK Funding to Study the Impact of COVID-19

Media Inquiries

If you would like to speak to a KCP representative or member of the kidney community about our response to the COVID-19 crisis, please contact Sarah Feagan at sfeagan@schmidtpa.com.