Kennedy bill expanding Medicare eligibility passes the House

The bill would extend Medicare policies to those eligible below 65

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- The House of Representatives have passed the Kennedy bill, which would open Medicare supplement policies to individuals with disabilities, including end-stage renal disease, regardless of age.

“Nearly 50 percent of dialysis patients in Rhode Island are under 65 and without a Medicare Supplement plan many patients are ineligible for a transplant because they are considered ‘under-insured.’ Since a kidney transplant is the best treatment for those with end-stage renal disease, this legislation could be a lifesaver,” said Rep. Kennedy.

End-stage renal disease patients typically face high costs for healthcare, and although they are eligible for Medicare at any age, it only covers 80% of medical costs, with them having to pay out-of-pocket without a cap on expenses.

1,700 people in Rhode Island need some form of kidney transplant or weekly dialysis, with kidney disease impacting communities of color 3.5 times more than others.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.