Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller, along with Representatives Marilyn Strickland, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Earl Blumenauer, have introduced the Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act. This legislation aims to increase access to home dialysis by providing trained, professional staff assistance to patients in the home. The bill also ensures that patients are given the education and support they need to utilize home dialysis if they choose to do so.

In a statement, Congresswoman Carol Miller emphasized the importance of home dialysis, stating, “Individuals with End Stage Renal Disease are often faced with difficult decisions when choosing where to receive dialysis services. Home dialysis is a wonderful tool that allows patients to be at the center of their own care.” She believes that Congress should be working to ensure that patients who choose home dialysis receive the necessary training to dialyze safely at home.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland echoed these sentiments by emphasizing that high-quality and affordable kidney care should not be considered a luxury. She stressed the need to work together with caregivers and providers to ensure that patients have the resources and training they need to receive dialysis in the comfort of their own homes.

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a physician herself, highlighted the importance of increasing patient choice in kidney care. She stated, “With advancements in technology and care, people with kidney failure should be informed of options beyond in-center dialysis.” Miller-Meeks believes that the bipartisan bill will enhance access, reduce travel time, and improve the well-being and quality of life for those who can choose home dialysis.

Similarly, Congressman Earl Blumenauer emphasized the patient-centered approach of home dialysis, stating, “Home dialysis is a powerful model that puts patients and families in control of their care.” He expressed his support for the legislation, believing that it will improve outcomes and is a common-sense proposal that does not need to be overly complex.

Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation, expressed gratitude for the introduction of the Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act, stating, “Patients deserve to know about all options for dialysis so they can make an educated choice for themselves.”

Additionally, Bell Maddux, a home dialysis patient, expressed gratitude for the push to make home dialysis more accessible, saying, “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 bill, which is a continuation of the Ways and Means Committee’s efforts to enhance access to care at home, aims to empower more patients to choose home dialysis by providing in-home staff assistance when needed.