Tell your Senator to support S2320

[GreggC]

As many of you know, I received a kidney transplant last October. Our congressman is sponsoring a bill to extend immunosuppressive drugs to cover the life of the patient. At the current time, after three years, the patient must cover this cost in the following ways: 1) personal insurance, 2) public/pharmaceutical programs or 3) out-of-pocket. Currently, Medicare pays approximately $17,300/year to maintain the transplant. While this is a chunk of money, if the kidney fails, the patient has to go back on dialysis, which affects the quality of his/her life AND dialysis costs Medicare approximately $68,000 per year. This just makes good sense from a monetary stance. Thank all of you for your help in advance.

[Bolero]

Sounds like a good idea to support extending the bill. I wish we lived in a world where all health cover is covered by government......I think that would be the right and fair thing.

Good luck with your lobbying.

[camille1585]

If I was in the USA, I think I would lobby. The system is so unfair.

Originally Posted by Bolero

Sounds like a good idea to support extending the bill. I wish we lived in a world where all health cover is covered by government......I think that would be the right and fair thing.

You mean like in France? Everyone has access to healthcare for a couple hundred euros, and all our expenses are covered especially since we have additional insurance to cover whatever the government doesn't cover. Hospital stays and operations cost nothing or nearly nothing. Doctors, dentists,and specialists are free, as well as prescription medication. I don't think Greg would have to pay a penny over here! Although our system may have its downsides (the governement needs to find/save money) the United States should try to adopt something similar .

[Bolero]

Yes Australia has something similar as well. Although Dental isn't covered.

Universal health system, that would be something.

[jeremysmomfl]

Gregg, Congratulations on your kidney transplant! I have a son (now 17) who received a small bowel transplant when he was 9. We support S2320 BUT we have asked our Representatives to include ALL transplant recipients. These drugs are just as expensive for heart, lung, liver, small bowel, multi-organ, etc. patients and ONLY kidney patients currently receive any financial help from the government. (I know the kidney transplant came first and you all have the NKF to lobby for you - the rest of the patients have no one and consequently, are totally overlooked when it comes to getting help......) As I'm sure you know, when the other organs fail or go into rejection - there are no other options - the patient dies.

[GreggC]

Transplant Buddies - Home There are all of the above on the site. They are nice folks. I think you would enjoy the site. While I do agree completely with your statement, the reason why the NKF exists, is that kidney failure is much more common. (Not to diminish the need for others to have help) Currently, there are 70,000 patients waiting for a kidney. People need to understand the need for organ donation, no matter what organs you are talking about. And the reason why patients should have Medicare pay for the drugs is so that there are organs available for other people because the need is only going to grow. I don't know how many people die each year waiting for a kidney, but it is a bunch.

[Gin]

I lost my best friend and (orchid guru) 6 years ago , he waited and waited for a liver transplant that never happened .
I have looked at the transplant site . A sad state of affairs .. I am listed as a donor . Gin

[GreggC]

If people only knew how much they can help their fellow man, simply by filling out an organ donor card. In Illinois, you can fill one out when you get your license. You can live on by giving another soul a chance. A very noble thing to do and a donor's death is not in vain. Thank you, Gin.