HR540: HR540 Congress; adopt legislation requiring Medicare program to provide for lifelong coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients; urge

25 LC 57 0262 House Resolution 540 By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162 nd, Glaize of the 67 th, Lupton of the 83 rd, and Henderson of the 113th A RESOLUTION Urging the Congress of the United States to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program1 to provide for lifelong coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung 2 transplant recipients; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, over 20,000 kidney transplants are performed annually in the United States,4 along with approximately 9,000 liver transplants, 3,500 heart t ransplants, and 2,500 lung5 transplants, saving lives and significantly reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic6 diseases; and7 WHEREAS, absent eligible kidney transplant recipients, Medicare coverage of8 immunosuppressive drugs is limited to 36 months following a tr ansplant, leaving many9 recipients without access to critical medications necessary to sustain their transplanted10 organs, increasing their risk of organ rejection, costly hospitalizations, and a return to dialysis11 treatment; and12 WHEREAS, annually, dialysis treatment costs Medicare approximat ely $90,000.00 per13 patient, while immunosuppressive medications only cost between $10,000.00 and $15,000.0014 per patient, demonstrating the financial efficiency of providin g comprehensive lifelong15 immunosuppressive medication coverage; and16 H. R. 540 - 1 - 25 LC 57 0262 WHEREAS, lifelong Medicare coverage for organ transplant recipi ents improves health17 outcomes, supports workforce reintegration, reduces healthcare disparities, and enhances the18 emotional and psychological well-being of recipients; and19 WHEREAS, such lifelong Medicare coverage for organ transplant recipients promotes equity20 by addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved and rural communities, while21 aligning with national healthcare goals to ensure accessible, s ustainable, and high-quality22 care for all patients.23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF24 GEORGIA that the members of this body urge the Congress of the United States to adopt25 legislation requiring the Medicare program to provide for lifel ong coverage of26 immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients in the same manner27 as for kidney transplant recipients.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Georgia supports initiatives that e xpand access to29 post-transplant care, reduce healthcare costs, and promote equi ty in the healthcare system30 through federal and state policies.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the President of the United33 States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United34 States Senate, and the members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.35 H. R. 540 - 2 -