The Kidney Citizen May 2016 | Page 8

the 8 ki ney citizen Call to Action Dialysis patients and their family members have been advocating to open Medicare Advantage for the past year and we are pleased to announce some great progress. Recently, the Senate Chronic Care Working Group released a series of policy proposals which included language providing dialysis patients access to Medicare Advantage Plans. After asking for comment from interested parties, organizations throughout the healthcare community including interest groups, think tanks and patient organizations expressed support for the working group’s proposal to allow dialysis patient enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans. This is great progress toward improving care for dialysis patients across the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to relax. We need to keep the pressure on legislators to repeal the discriminatory policy that prevents dialysis patients from enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans could lower patient’s out-of-pocket costs while providing greater care coordination and better health outcomes. Take a moment to contact your legislators today by visiting our legislative action center or by calling the congressional switchboard with your message. Online By Phone Visit www.dialysispatients.org/take-action Contact the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 Sample points to make when you call: yy My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am a dialysis patient and I live in [CITY or TOWN NAME]. Step 1 Click the issue labeled “Open Medicare Part C to Dialysis Patients”, then hit Take Action Step 2 Enter your email and zip code (your full address may be required to determine your representative) Step 3 Add your personal story in the letter if you choose Step 4 Click Send yy I’m calling to encourage you to support measures that open Medicare Advantage Plans to dialysis patients like myself. yy Medicare Advantage will reduce my out-of-pocket cost. yy Also, Medicare Advantage plans can provide greater coordination of care options which improves my health and can help to keep me out of the hospital.