River Bend Times

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, along with several colleagues, has introduced the Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing access to home dialysis for patients in need. The bill seeks to provide trained staff assistance and education to patients who choose to undergo dialysis at home.

Miller-Meeks emphasized the importance of patient choice in healthcare, stating, "With advancements in technology and care, people with kidney failure should be informed of options beyond in-center dialysis." She highlighted that the bill would improve access, reduce travel time, and enhance the well-being of Americans in need of dialysis.

Congresswoman Carol Miller expressed support for home dialysis, stating, "Home dialysis is a wonderful tool that allows patients to be at the center of their own care." She stressed the need for Congress to ensure patients receive the necessary training to safely undergo dialysis at home.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland emphasized the importance of providing high-quality and affordable kidney care, stating, "We must work together to ensure that patients have the resources and training they need to receive dialysis in the comfort of their own homes."

Congressman Earl Blumenauer praised home dialysis as a model that empowers patients and families in their healthcare decisions. He expressed optimism about the legislation, stating, "This legislation is a simple, common-sense proposal that will improve outcomes."

Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation, commended the representatives for introducing the bill, emphasizing the need for patients to be informed about all options for dialysis. He expressed gratitude for the initiative to make home dialysis more accessible.

Deidra C. Crews, President of the American Society of Nephrology, highlighted the potential of home dialysis to increase independence and improve quality of life for kidney failure patients. She praised the legislation for empowering more patients to choose home dialysis.

Bell Maddux, a home dialysis patient, expressed gratitude for the efforts to make home dialysis more accessible, stating, "Policies like this make me increasingly optimistic that more kidney patients struggling with dialysis can have a chance to get some of their life back."

The Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act aims to address the needs of over 800,000 adults in the United States with irreversible kidney failure. With home dialysis currently utilized by about 12% of U.S. dialysis patients, the bill seeks to enhance access to care at home.