AAKP calls on John Kerry to support home hemo pilot program

TAMPA, Fla.—The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) sent a letter to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., asking him to support a Medicare sponsored home hemodialysis program.

Click HERE to read the letter.

AAKP said home hemodialysis may be a better treatment option for many patients but it is under-utilized. Only about 3,000 patients use home hemodialysis as a treatment even though the therapy is known to produce better patient outcomes, saves on cost and allow patients to take charge of their healthcare, according to AAKP.

“We know more patients would like to take advantage of home hemodialysis, but current Medicare reimbursement discourages this lower cost option,” said Kris Robinson, AAKP executive director/CEO. “That is why we are asking for Senator Kerry’s support for a home hemodialysis pilot program in Medicare that would establish the benefits and lower costs of home dialysis.”