GAAME Act of 2019

Activities to address access and utilization of home dialysis, including H.R. 5426, the "Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act of 2021" to authorize Medicare reimbursement for staff-assisted home dialysis and for other purposes. Support for Protected Classes under Medicare Part D program. H.R. 1676, provide access to Medigap coverage for Medicare end-stage kidney disease patients under age 65. These Medicare beneficiaries do not have a guaranteed opportunity to purchase a Medigap policy. S. 1536, H.R. 3108, Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act. Legislation would expand coverage of nutrition therapy services to additional diseases and conditions and expand the types of medical providers for such services. S. 2203, H.R. 5804, Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act. Expands coverage of diabetes outpatient self-management training. S. 2173, H.R. 2807, PREVENT DIABETES Act. Requires Medicare to offer its Diabetes Prevention Program in a virtual or online format. Support for Kidney Health Evaluation (KED) for patients with diabetes. S. 1512 and H.R. 2903, "CONNECT for Health Act." Expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. S. 596 and H.R. 1577, the "Treat and Reduce Obesity Act," to expand the types of health professionals permitted to provide weight loss management and counseling services under Medicare Part B and to include coverage of weight loss management drugs under Medicare Part D. Support for COVID-19 patients (telehealth, home dialysis, copayment waivers, regulatory waivers). Participated in health community effort to urge HHS to expand Medicare coverage to include medically necessary dental treatments for solid organ transplant recipients and other vulnerable individuals. Submitted written comments on the Proposed Rule to implement the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (H.R. 5534, S. 3353, 116th Congress) to provide Medicare Part B coverage of anti-rejection medications for kidney transplant recipients who lack private, group or other public health insurance coverage for these medications. Submitted comments on the Proposed Calendar Year 2023 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule. Wrote individual Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to request they align their policies to implement the routine and timely use of Cystatin C to assess kidney function.