Although immigrants lacking permanent legal status have access to kidney transplantation in Illinois, these patients and stakeholders reported remaining barriers, according to data published in Kidney Medicine.For example, communication barriers, the devastation of a kidney disease diagnosis and policy gaps were highlighted as obstacles patients still faced.
New Illinois law to help save lives by removing barriers to kidney transplants
Updated 7/21/2021 7:15 PM
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Medicaid legislation into law July 6 that immediately opens Medicaid eligibility to uninsured state residents in need of kidney transplants providing them equitable access to lifesaving surgeries.
Praising the passage and the governor s signature of Senate Bill 2294 are Illinois organ donation and health equity advocates including Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network officials, Illinois Transplant Fund leadership, Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) and Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago).
Today s action will save lives by creating equitable access to health care and removing barriers that prevent Illinois residents from receiving the kidney transplants they so desperately need, Hernandez said. Illinois now provides these patients a fair chance at receiving transplants and returning to productive lives with their families and