Bill introduced to extend coverage of transplant drugs

[Clark]

http://www.nephrologynews.com/articles/109339-bill-introduced-to-extend-coverage-of-transplant-drugs

Bill introduced to extend coverage of transplant drugs

U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, R-Miss., introduced the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Act of 2013 on Feb. 13 to extend coverage of anti-rejection drugs for kidney transplant recipients. The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Act of 2013 would offer lifetime coverage of anti-rejection drugs for kidney transplant recipients.  House version of the bill is expected to be introduced in the next few weeks. If passed, the bill would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act that limits Medicare coverage to 36 months after a kidney transplant. Immunosuppressive drugs can cost up to $1,000 a month.

"Of the 89,000 patients waiting for a kidney transplant, those patients lucky enough to undergo a successful transplant should not have to worry about being able to pay for the medication that will reduce the risk of organ rejection,” said Durbin. “In 2000, Congress passed legislation that provided older or disabled individuals lifetime coverage for immunosuppressive drugs through Medicare. Today’s legislation will extend that coverage to all patients trying to live healthy lives after kidney transplants.”

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, approximately 28,000 organ transplants were performed last year in the United States. The vast majority of transplants – over 16,800 Americans in 2010 – were kidneys.