A coalition that includes the National Kidney Foundation opposes a Congressional proposal to help pay for the anti-rejection drugs that kidney transplant recipients need because it would reduce government reimbursements for kidney dialysis patients.
Under the proposal, Medicare would extend coverage of immunosuppressant drugs beyond the current limit of 36 months after a kidney transplant. In order to pay for the extra drug coverage, the formula used to reimburse kidney dialysis patients would change, The New York Times reported.
In a letter to senators, the Kidney Care Partners coalition said "the kidney care community strongly objects" to the proposed changes. Along with the National Kidney Foundation, the coalition includes dialysis providers, drug companies and nephrologists.
The proposal has created a split between those involved in dialysis and those involved in transplants, The Times reported. The American Society of Transplantation supports the provision.