What is Advocacy
Government Involvement in Dialysis
Being on dialysis is a unique position in the policy sphere. Dialysis patients are covered by Medicare regardless of age, meaning your care is heavily controlled and regulated by federal policies.
The first legislation to support the funding of dialysis was introduced in 1965, but Congressional hearings on the topic did not occur until five years later. In 1971, the government was addressing debates on national health insurance, including Social Security, Medicare and welfare. In 1972, Congress passed legislation that created a Medicare program to pay for dialysis treatment. The program officially began on July 1, 1973.
It’s important to lend your voice to lawmakers to keep them informed about the realities of dialysis. If you are pre-dialysis, becoming politically active now will only help foster long-term relationships that can help create meaningful policies that affect patients across the nation.
Many congressional offices are familiar with the concept of dialysis, but few of them have had the direct contact with a patient to know the specifics of having ESRD. Sharing your story and experiences as a patient helps put a face to what is typically a line-item in a budget.
What is Dialysis Patient Citizens?
Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) is a patient led, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving dialysis citizens’ quality of life by advocating for favorable public policy.
DPC wants to give a voice to dialysis patients.
One of DPC’s goals is to provide dialysis patients with the education, access and confidence to be their own advocates. Through our grassroots advocacy campaigns, Patient Ambassador program; Washington, DC patient fly-ins; conference calls and briefings, DPC works to train effective advocates for dialysis related issues. DPC is here to rally patients to have their voices heard.
Patient-Led Organization
The intent of DPC is to reflect the voice of the patients. Our Board of Directors is composed of people with ESRD. We also rely on input from our membership to determine both our education and advocacy priorities. DPC members are invited to complete education and advocacy surveys to help shape DPC’s focus and determine the organization’s priorities.