Georgia House Bill HR1133

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/24
• Report Pass: 2/21/24
• Enrolled: 2/29/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Passed: 2/29/24

Caption

Congress; pass Kidney PATIENT Act of 2023; urge

Impact

The resolution points out that the proposed payment shift from Medicare Part D to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system could lead to increased barriers to accessing essential oral medications. The General Assembly recognizes that many patients facing kidney failure are already struggling with various comorbidities, and the changes would disproportionately affect those from vulnerable communities. The resolution aims to create awareness among federal lawmakers about these implications and advocate for protections around medication accessibility.

Summary

House Resolution 1133 is a resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Kidney Patient Access to Technologically Innovative and Essential Nephrology Treatments Act of 2023, commonly referred to as the Kidney PATIENT Act. This Act aims to address concerns arising from a proposed change by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2025, which would modify payment structures for phosphate lowering therapies (PLTs) that are pivotal for dialysis patients. The resolution emphasizes the potential negative consequences of this change on access to crucial medications for kidney failure patients, particularly within minority and low-income populations.

Contention

Notably, the Kidney PATIENT Act of 2023 highlights a bipartisan effort led by members of Congress who are collaborating to push for delaying the inclusion of oral-only therapies in the ESRD payment system until at least 2033, or until newer treatment options become available. The underlying contention draws attention to how healthcare payment reforms can have far-reaching impacts on patients' health outcomes, affordability of treatment, and equitable access to medical care across diverse communities.