Although the Presidential election is over, healthcare issues remain a priority for many Americans, especially for the nearly 600,000 with kidney failure. As President and CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), a major concern is to protect kidney patients’ access to quality care, yet I fear this may be compromised as Congress and the President address unresolved budget issues.

Americans with kidney failure require either dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive. Medicare covers the cost of these treatments those who need it, but adequate resources are necessary to provide this essential care.

Automatic spending reductions would cut Medicare by two percent at a time when dialysis facilities are grappling with previously-mandated payment cuts.

Elected officials must consider the most vulnerable who rely on life-saving dialysis care daily by safeguarding kidney care from further cuts. Our family and friends deserve nothing less.

Dan Carney

President and CEO


National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

Ann Arbor