Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Kidney Care Access Protection Act aims to improve treatment options and access for Medicare patients with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure requiring dialysis). The bill extends and expands financial protections for new kidney dialysis drugs, biologicals, and medical devices by guaranteeing at least three years of transitional payment support starting January 2026, followed by permanent payment adjustments set at 65 percent of drug costs. The legislation also ensures that Medicare Advantage plans directly reimburse dialysis facilities for these innovative treatments at the same rates as traditional Medicare, and includes workforce provisions to address staffing challenges in kidney care facilities. Additionally, the bill expands preventive services by requiring Medicare to cover chronic kidney disease screening during annual wellness visits and broadens access to kidney disease education programs by allowing more healthcare providers—including nurse practitioners and physician assistants—to deliver this education at dialysis facilities. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, with no specified budget authorization amount provided in the legislation.
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