Bill to Protect Dialysis Patients Introduced in Bipartisan Senate Legislation

United States Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) have introduced the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act. The legislation is intended to ensure that individuals with end-stage renal disease continue to have access to private health care.

A 2022 Supreme Court ruling, Marietta v DaVita, allowed private health plans to limit kidney care services, including dialysis and access to nephrologists, forcing ESRD patients prematurely onto Medicare for coverage. This decision shifted a large financial burden onto taxpayers and disrupted coverage for patients. The proposed legislation would protect patients by ensuring they have access to the care of their choosing.

The bill is supported by several prominent kidney care providers, as well as professional and advocacy organizations. A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Mike Kelly (R-PA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Neal Dunn, MD (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), John Joyce (R-PA), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA).