January 4th 2024.
The Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC) has applauded Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford for his letter dated December 22nd, urging the Biden administration to reverse Medicare cuts that would leave thousands of Black, Brown, and other transplant recipients without a life-saving blood test. The test in question is non-invasive and can detect early signs of organ transplant rejection.
In the letter, which was addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Horsford called for an explanation of why the ruling was made, and for it to be rescinded, as well as ensuring there are no other cutbacks on non-invasive blood tests.
"We share the Biden Administration’s commitment to closing racial disparities in our health system," Horsford wrote. "All of us sit in government because we believe a better future is possible in which the children and grandchildren of our constituents have fair access to care. We know you share our mission of ensuring equitable care and appreciate your attention to this critically important matter."
The cuts were announced on March 2 by a private contractor, known as a “Medicare Administrative Contractor”. As a result, the use of transplant blood tests has dropped significantly due to cancellations, delays, or confusion as to whether coverage would still be provided.
HEiTC Executive Chairman Al B. Sure!, who received a life-saving liver transplant in the summer of 2022, expressed his appreciation for Horsford’s advocacy for organ transplant recipients.
"After a successful day of action on Capitol Hill last month, I and the entire Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition are humbled to see Chair Horsford make this call," said Al B. Sure! "Tens of thousands of organ transplant recipients, a disproportionate share of which are Black and Brown, don’t know at this moment if the gift of life they received will fail them. All because a private contractor was allowed to peel back coverage on a life-saving test capable of catching a rejection before it happened. I want to thank Chair Horsford for being a constant champion of justice for Black and Brown Americans, especially in this moment when we need heroes in government like him."
The HEiTC isn’t the only group concerned about the Medicare cuts. A group of 14 bipartisan former and current politicians have also urged an end to the Medicare cuts, including Reps. Anna Eschoo and Dr. Michael Burgess , who wrote a follow-up letter pressing for more answers on why Medicare contractors rolled back coverage without public comment and through a billing article.
It is encouraging to see the collective effort to ensure equitable care for the transplant recipients. The HEiTC appreciates the Biden administration's commitment to closing racial disparities in the health system, and the tireless work of Chair Horsford and the other individuals who have advocated for the overturning of the Medicare cutbacks.
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