Coronavirus Reopening Guidance for Kidney Patients

Communities across the United States are starting to reopen after following stay-at-home orders to limit the spread of coronavirus. People living with kidney disease and transplant recipients are at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Even if there is not a rise in COVID-19 cases or deaths where you live, it is still important you take steps to keep yourself and others safe.

Download our checklist to help you get started >>

Are you a recipient of a kidney transplant within the last ten years?

Talk to your doctor about the option for a cell-free DNA test and if this is right for you. The American Kidney Fund is providing assistance to cover innovative new blood tests that offer ongoing tracking of the health of a transplanted kidney to look for kidney injury or rejection without the need for a kidney biopsy.

Learn how to apply for this grant >>

Thanks to the generosity of Abbott Nutrition, AKF is able to provide patients with a special promotional code for an additional 20% off a case of Nepro® when you sign up for their already discounted Home Delivery Program.

To receive this offer, call Abbott Nutrition at 1-800-986-8502 and use the promotional code "AKF Save 20%." First time customers will be prompted to set up an account that will allow you to place future orders by phone, online or mail. Existing Home Delivery Program customers can apply the coupon code to their next order.

This offer expires on August 30, 2020. Patients must order through Abbott Nutrition directly and track their own product. AKF cannot assist in this process.

Call 1-800-986-8502 to place your order >>

We're kicking off something new and exciting on August 1—the 37 Mile Challenge! We need your help to raise $37,000 by running/walking 37 miles in August in honor of the 37 million Americans battling kidney disease.

Join our exclusive Facebook group full of passionate people who are raising funds to fight kidney disease.

You can also help by recruiting as many caring people as possible! Every person who joins can assist another patient in need. And during this time when many of us are safely distancing at home, you and your friends can participate from the comfort of your own neighborhood.

Make sure you sign up by July 31 >>

Many Americans have lost their jobs (and their employer sponsored health insurance) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will turn to Medicaid for the first time. Just as many Americans need Medicaid, states are strapped by pandemic costs and may be forced to cut services, including Medicaid.

The federal contribution toward state Medicaid programs is referred to as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP. Senator Bob Casey recently introduced S. 4108, the Coronavirus Medicaid Response Act, which would create an automatic process to increase FMAP when state unemployment increases so that federal aid would not rely on new legislation for a temporary increase.

Make sure states have enough Medicaid funding to provide Americans with the health services they need.

Urge your lawmakers to support increasing federal Medicaid funding >>

Recipe contributed by Susan Zogheib, MHS, RD, LDN

Bulgur is a slightly chewy, nutty-tasting grain that does not get used enough in recipes, perhaps because people think it is difficult to cook. It is as simple as any other grain; just simmer it in water until tender, then drain.

Bulgur is often found in Middle Eastern cuisines, and is high in fiber, iron, niacin, and zinc.

Visit Kidney Kitchen™ for the full recipe >>