History
The Medicare End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Program, a national health insurance program for people with end stage renal disease, was established in 1972 with the passage of Section 299I of Public Law 92-603. The formation of ESRD Network Organizations was authorized in 1978 by Public Law 95-292 which amended Title XVIII of the Social Security Act by adding section 1881. Thirty-two ESRD Network areas were initially established. H.R. 8423 was designed to encourage self-care dialysis and kidney transplantation and clarify reimbursement procedures in order to achieve more effective control of the costs of the renal disease program. In 1986, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-509) amended section 1881c of the Social Security Act to establish at least 17 ESRD Network areas and to revise the Network Organizations responsibilities.
Today, eighteen (18) ESRD Network Organizations exist under contract to CMS and serve as liaisons between the federal government and the providers of ESRD services. The Network Organizations are defined geographically by the number and concentration of ESRD beneficiaries in each area. Some Networks represent one state, others multiple states. The ESRD Network Organizations' responsibilities include: the quality oversight of the care ESRD patients receive, the collection of data to administer the national Medicare ESRD program, and the provision of technical assistance to ESRD providers and patients in areas related to ESRD.
All ESRD Networks are members of the Forum of ESRD Networks, which is a not-for-profit organization that advocates on behalf of its membership and coordinates projects and activities of mutual interest to ESRD Networks. The Forum facilitates the flow of information and advances a national quality agenda with CMS and other renal organizations.
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The National Forum of ESRD Networks, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization #13-3246354. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services will be provided by the Forum in return or consideration for this contribution. Donations can also be mailed to the Forum Office at PO Box 70623, Henrico, VA 23255.
Donate nowWhat's new on the Forum website?
July KPAC Newsletter Now Available
Read It Today!
The July issue of Your Voice, Your Health is now available. This issue features an article from KPAC member Precious McCowan, PhD, about her decision to donate her son's organs. It's a must read! Read this and past issues of Your Voice, Your Health here.
Forum Member Presents on Transitions of Care
Watch and Learn!
Forum Board member David Henner, DO, presented on the Transitions of Care Toolkit at the 2025 National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings. View the slides and video.
April is Donate Life Month!
KPAC Develops Donate Life Month Flyers for Patients
April is Donate Life Month! The Forum of ESRD Networks’ Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has developed some helpful flyers, one for each week in April, for you to display in your facility.
Forum Releases CMS Medication Bundle Resource
The Forum has developed a reference table for dialysis-related medications and their status with the CMS medication bundle.
Download it here.
March is Kidney Month!
KPAC Develops Kidney Month Flyers for Patients
March is Kidney Month! The Forum of ESRD Networks’ Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has developed some helpful flyers, one for each week in March, for you to display in your facility.
KPAC Member Bios Now Available!
Want to know more about the Forum's KPAC members?
Read their bio statements here. If you're looking for a patient advocate to speak at your event, it's a great way to find the perfect match.