October 2026 CKD Insider Newsletter
Updated: 11 hours ago
Welcome to the Chronic Kidney Disease Insider Newsletter. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant or are helping care for someone who is, this newsletter was created for you! The CKD Insider Newsletter provides actionable information for you and your family to help you manage your health in consultation with your doctor.
In this month’s CKD Insider:
Latest Kidney News
Federal Bill Aims to Modernize Program to Expand Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
The AbilityOne Program is a federal program that creates jobs for people with disabilities and severe chronic conditions. The bipartisan American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA), H.R. 10443, aims to modernize the federal AbilityOne program by removing outdated barriers, expanding workforce opportunities in emerging fields, and updating procurement processes. The plan is supported by the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP).
Why it’s important: If you are on dialysis and find it difficult to maintain your current job or are unemployed because of the challenges of managing your dialysis schedule, having access to more flexible employment opportunities can make a meaningful difference. Modernizing AbilityOne could help expand accessible employment options and support greater economic independence for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
What You Can Do:
Contact your U.S. Representative: Let your representative know that you support H.R. 10443 and encourage them to advance the legislation. You can find your representative at www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
Explore employment opportunities: Learn more about the AbilityOne Program and its participating employers through AbilityOne and SourceAmerica.
Please note: AbilityOne jobs have specific eligibility requirements. Having CKD or being on dialysis does not automatically qualify someone for the program, but these resources can help you learn more.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Open Now
Annual Enrollment for Medicare is open now and ends December 7th. During this time, you can join a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, switch between MA plans, leave MA to return to Original Medicare, and make other changes to your Medicare coverage. Changes will go into effect on January 1st, 2027. Some things to consider before changing your enrollment:
Ensure your current nephrologist, primary care doctor, dialysis clinic, and transplant center are in-network for next year. Call both the insurance plan and your providers directly to verify.
Medicare Advantage plans often require referrals or prior authorizations, which can delay specialist appointments, procedures, or medications.
Confirm whether the plan covers essential extras for your specific treatments, such as home-dialysis equipment, training, supplies, nursing support, and non-emergency medical transportation.
Look beyond monthly premiums and check deductibles, copays, prescription drug costs, and out-of-pocket maximums to consider the total cost of coverage.
If you are under 65, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) eligibility rules vary by state, so verify your local supplemental options.
Don’t make any changes before talking to your care team. Always consult your nephrologist and dialysis clinic before making any coverage changes, to prevent any delays in access.
Read more at Renal Support Network, Medicare.gov, and Medicare ACCESS.
Medicare offers ACCESS, a way to get care that supports people with Original Medicare
who have one or more chronic health conditions.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Launches Kidney Care National Plan
What it is: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the 2026 Kidney Care National Plan aimed at shifting federal focus from treating kidney failure to preventing it. Endorsed by kidney advocacy groups like the American Kidney Fund (AKF) and National Kidney Foundation (NKF), the plan outlines proposals to reform provider payment models, expand home care, modernize organ transplantation, and streamline drug approvals.
Why it’s important: The plan focuses on catching kidney disease early through screening and financially rewarding preventive care. For patients needing treatment, it aims to accelerate access to innovative therapies, expand home dialysis options, and strengthen financial support for living donors via the National Living Donor Assistance Center to make transplantation more accessible.
AAKP hosting Improving Kidney Care for Veterans Webinar
What it is: In recognition of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is hosting a special webinar through its Veterans Health Initiative. The discussion will highlight the partnership between AAKP and the VA Kidney Medicine Program, along with research aimed at improving kidney care for Veterans.
Why it’s important: Learn about research exploring cardiovascular outcomes for Veterans on dialysis, access to coordinated CKD care, and ways to improve treatment for Veterans with advanced kidney disease. Whether you are a Veteran, a kidney patient, a care partner, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in improving kidney health among those who have served our country, this webinar offers an opportunity to learn about important research and its potential impact on patient care.
November 17, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm Eastern Time
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Reconnect With Someone Important in Your Life
Life gets busy, and sometimes we don't realize how long it's been since we connected with the people who are important to us.
This month, reach out to someone you haven’t seen or spoken with in a while. Give them a call, send a quick text, meet for coffee or lunch, or take a walk together. You don’t need a special occasion to reconnect! Sometimes a simple “I was thinking about you, let’s catch up” is all it takes. You may be surprised how good it feels to reconnect with someone who matters to you.
The FDA Granted Accelerated Approval to Treat IgAN Proteinuria
What it is: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to AstraZeneca’s ULTOMIRIS® (also known as ravulizumab) for adults with primary immunoglobulin nephropathy (IgAN). gAN occurs when abnormal IgA antibody deposits form in the kidneys. These deposits activate the body's complement system, driving inflammation and kidney damage. ULTOMIRIS is the first C5 complement inhibitor to prevent this damage by targeting this driver of kidney damage. This approval comes in response to Phase 3 I CAN clinical trial data demonstrating that ULTOMIRIS treatment led to a 43.4% reduction in proteinuria compared to placebo.
Why it’s important: If you have IgAN and have trouble managing proteinuria, this new drug could be an option for you. Ask your nephrologist if this medicine can be an option for you.
Recap of Promising Clinical Reports from 2026 AKF Kidney Week
Last week, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) held its annual Kidney Week, which included presentations of promising clinical trial results, including:
A long-term study from DaVita Clinical Research examined GLP-1 use and clinical outcomes in home dialysis. They reported that continued GLP-1 use resulted in sustained weight loss over two years without negatively impacting dialysis or kidney function.
Data from three Phase 3 trials demonstrated that APRIL/BAFF-inhibiting drugs offer sustained benefits for IgAN. The three trials include ORIGIN 3, TELIGAN, and VISIONARY.
Two new studies indicate that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of mortality, major kidney events, and dementia in older adults with CKD, though individual monitoring for potential risks, like acute kidney injury and infections, remains critical.
You can hear more news from ASN Kidney Week here.
Kidney-Friendly Holiday Recipes
In preparation for holiday dinners this season, here are some ideas to help you and your family members enjoy the season. With a little planning, you can dig into your favorite holiday meals while keeping your kidney health on track. Here are a few simple tips to keep your festive table both delicious and kidney-friendly:
Choose an unbrined turkey to skip hidden sodium injections. Elevate the flavor with herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme instead of salt.
Traditional mashed potatoes are high in potassium. Try double-boiling your potatoes to draw out excess potassium or swap them out for steamed mashed cauliflower.
Dietary needs vary significantly depending on whether a person is managing non-dialysis CKD, on hemodialysis, or balancing specific potassium/fluid restrictions. Be sure to check in with your renal dietitian to tailor your holiday plate.
See if one of these holiday recipes from NKF, AAKP, or AKF are right for you:
Crustless Pumpkin Pie (AKF)
Cranberry Ginger Poultry (NKF)
Savory Winter Meat Pie (AAKP)
Pumpkin Pepper Hummus (NKF)
Cranberry Stuffing (AAKP)
Apple Sage Stuffing (NKF)
Apple Cranberry Cobbler (AAKP)
Enjoy!
Know someone who could use a kidney health boost and a smile? Share this newsletter and help them stay inspired and informed!
Download the OneTrackHealth app and keep the momentum going!
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