WASHINGTON, March 20 -- The House Ways & Means Committee Chairman issued the following news release:
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Medicare's coverage and reimbursement policies for chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its most severe form, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), are impeding the delivery of proven, innovative treatment options that can improve patient health, the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee learned at a hearing that examined how to enhance care for kidney patients.
Medicare spends a disproportionate share on kidney care. At $50 billion annually, the cost of treating patients suffering from ESRD constitutes seven percent of Medicare expenses, yet ESRD patients represent only one percent of Medicare beneficiaries. Kidney care has not had ...