October 15 marked the beginning of Medicare’s annual open enrollment period—the time to review, compare and make changes to Medicare coverage, if desired. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that many Medicare beneficiaries were not aware of the open enrollment period. We encourage you to review your own coverage as well as help spread the word about open enrollment to anyone you know who currently receives coverage through Medicare. Learn more below.
Last month, our Advocacy Network reached a major milestone: 1,000 members! In just two years, the American Kidney Fund Advocacy Network has grown from a single patient-advocate to a nationwide network of more than 1,000 kidney patients, their friends, family members and caregivers, and health professionals in 47 states and the District of Columbia. From all of us at the American Kidney Fund, thank you for your time and dedication!
Sincerely,
Nikia Okoye Director of Government Relations
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins
Open enrollment for Medicare began October 15 and ends December 7. During open enrollment you have the opportunity to review your health, prescription drug and Medigap coverage and make any desired changes for 2013. If you are satisfied with your coverage, no action is needed. Click here to review and compare your coverage options.
Congresswoman Donna Edwards Helps Kick Off Fall Kidney Action Days
In September, Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD) joined the American Kidney Fund at Kidney Action Day in Landover, Md., to raise awareness of kidney disease in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Rep. Edwards shared her personal connection to kidney disease and stressed the importance of awareness and prevention. Click here to see a slideshow of our recent event.
Last month, AKF hosted Kidney Action Days in San Antonio, Houston and Atlanta. Federal, state, and local officials, including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (Houston), turned out to help AKF raise awareness of kidney disease in each city. If you were unable to join us at any of our Kidney Action Day events this year you can still participate through our Virtual Walk!
Tell Your Representatives to Protect Medicare’s ESRD Program From Further Cuts!
If you have not already done so, please reach out to your representatives in Congress and urge them to protect Medicare’s ESRD Program from pending harmful cuts!
Unless Congress acts, automatic cuts throughout the federal budget will take effect in January 2013. These cuts will include an across-the-board reduction of 2 percent in Medicare, including its ESRD Program. As a result, kidney patients’ access to care may be threatened. Take this opportunity to tell your representatives in Congress to protect Medicare’s ESRD Program from looming cuts! Click here to take action today!
Stay Tuned for Information on Our 2013 Advocate Fly-In!
In March, AKF hosted 10 of our dedicated Advocates in Washington, D.C. for our third annual Advocate Fly-In. Advocates met with their Congressional offices and took part in events on Capitol Hill to help kick off National Kidney Month and raise awareness of our Pair Up campaign to prevent kidney disease.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks on how to apply to participate in the 2013 Advocate Fly-In!
Feedback
Do you have a question about one of the topics discussed in this newsletter? Are there other issues that are directly impacting you or a loved one that you would like more information on?
We want to hear from you! Feel free to contact Michael Platt at (800) 638-8299 extension 7047 or mplatt@kidneyfund.org with any questions or comments.
In March, AKF hosted 10 of our dedicated Advocates in Washington, D.C. for our third annual Advocate Fly-In. Advocates met with their Congressional offices and took part in events on Capitol Hill to help kick off National Kidney Month and raise awareness of our Pair Up campaign to prevent kidney disease.
Do you have a question about one of the topics discussed in this newsletter? Are there other issues that are directly impacting you or a loved one that you would like more information on?
