HR 540: Congress; adopt legislation requiring Medicare program to provide for lifelong coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients; urge

House Resolution 540

By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162nd, Glaize of the 67th, Lupton of the 83rd, and Henderson of the 113th

A RESOLUTION

Urging the Congress of the United States to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program to provide for lifelong coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, over 20,000 kidney transplants are performed annually in the United States, along with approximately 9,000 liver transplants, 3,500 heart transplants, and 2,500 lung transplants, saving lives and significantly reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, absent eligible kidney transplant recipients, Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs is limited to 36 months following a transplant, leaving many recipients without access to critical medications necessary to sustain their transplanted organs, increasing their risk of organ rejection, costly hospitalizations, and a return to dialysis treatment; and

WHEREAS, annually, dialysis treatment costs Medicare approximately $90,000.00 per patient, while immunosuppressive medications only cost between $10,000.00 and $15,000.00 per patient, demonstrating the financial efficiency of providing comprehensive lifelong immunosuppressive medication coverage; and

WHEREAS, lifelong Medicare coverage for organ transplant recipients improves health outcomes, supports workforce reintegration, reduces healthcare disparities, and enhances the emotional and psychological well-being of recipients; and

WHEREAS, such lifelong Medicare coverage for organ transplant recipients promotes equity by addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved and rural communities, while aligning with national healthcare goals to ensure accessible, sustainable, and high-quality care for all patients.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF

GEORGIA that the members of this body urge the Congress of the United States to adopt legislation requiring the Medicare program to provide for lifelong coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients in the same manner as for kidney transplant recipients.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Georgia supports initiatives that expand access to post-transplant care, reduce healthcare costs, and promote equity in the healthcare system through federal and state policies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.