The Hill News

Anyone who has ever witnessed a patient in a medical crisis knows the team approach necessary to saving a life. During these critical, life or death moments, the entire medical team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel jumps into action, with each member playing a crucial role in helping the patient survive.
 
Today, as our elected officials struggle to revive an ailing economy and stop a hemorrhaging healthcare system, I am reminded of how essential teamwork will be to this process. True, Congress’ 12 “Super Committee” members will do the lion’s share of work in identifying solutions, but each and every health care provider group can do its own part to help save the system. To that end, the kidney care community believes it is important for Congress to avoid damaging across-the-board cuts to Medicare’s End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program while considering policies that protect patients and save taxpayers’ money.
 
Across! -the-board cuts, like those that will occur if the Super Committee fails to reach agreement and “sequestration” triggers automatic cuts to all providers of up to two percent, will be particularly harmful to individuals on dialysis.  Dialysis patients, typically very ill and often poor, are among the most vulnerable patients in the Medicare program.  These Medicare beneficiaries rely on dialysis treatments three times a week to live.  Because Medicare becomes available to individuals of all ages upon diagnosis with kidney failure, approximately 80 percent of all dialysis patients are Medicare beneficiaries.   Forty percent of that population are “dual eligibles,” meaning they also qualify for the Medicaid program for indigent care.  So, funding cuts in Medicare have a direct and negative impact on care for patients.
 

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