25 LC 57 0262
House Resolution 540
By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162
nd
, Glaize of the 67
th
, Lupton of the 83
rd
, and
Henderson of the 113
th
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Congress of the United States to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program
1
to provide for lifelong coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung 2
transplant recipients; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, over 20,000 kidney transplants are performed annually in the United States,4
along with approximately 9,000 liver transplants, 3,500 heart transplants, and 2,500 lung5
transplants, saving lives and significantly reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic6
diseases; and7
WHEREAS, absent eligible kidney transplant recipients, Medicare coverage of8
immunosuppressive drugs is limited to 36 months following a transplant, leaving many9
recipients without access to critical medications necessary to sustain their transplanted10
organs, increasing their risk of organ rejection, costly hospitalizations, and a return to dialysis11
treatment; and12
WHEREAS, annually, dialysis treatment costs Medicare approximately $90,000.00 per13
patient, while immunosuppressive medications only cost between $10,000.00 and $15,000.0014
per patient, demonstrating the financial efficiency of providing comprehensive lifelong15
immunosuppressive medication coverage; and16
H. R. 540
- 1 - 25 LC 57 0262
WHEREAS, lifelong Medicare coverage for organ transplant recipients improves health
17
outcomes, supports workforce reintegration, reduces healthcare disparities, and enhances the18
emotional and psychological well-being of recipients; and19
WHEREAS, such lifelong Medicare coverage for organ transplant recipients promotes equity20
by addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved and rural communities, while21
aligning with national healthcare goals to ensure accessible, sustainable, and high-quality22
care for all patients.23
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF24
GEORGIA that the members of this body urge the Congress of the United States to adopt25
legislation requiring the Medicare program to provide for lifelong coverage of26
immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients in the same manner27
as for kidney transplant recipients.28
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Georgia supports initiatives that expand access to29
post-transplant care, reduce healthcare costs, and promote equity in the healthcare system30
through federal and state policies.31
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32
and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the President of the United33
States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United34
States Senate, and the members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.35
H. R. 540
- 2 -