Your kidneys work hard every day to filter waste, balance fluids, and help control blood pressure. National Kidney Month is a great time to thank them. Here are 8 simple, science-backed tips you can take to protect your kidneys for years to come.  1. Know Your Kidney Numbers Early Understanding your kidney health starts with getting the right tests:  Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR):  a blood test that shows how well the kidneys filter waste.  Urine albumin-creatin

With decades of kidney care advocacy under his belt, Sidney The Kidney is preparing for a well-earned retirement. After years of supporting the kidney community with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), he’s ready to pass the torch to the next generation. Now, his younger cousin, Kenny The Kidney, is stepping up as NKF’s new Chief Kidney Officer.  Passing the Baton We sat down with Kenny The Kidney to learn more about his journey, his connection to the kidney community, and

Chronic kidney disease is often silent, so millions of Americans don't know they have it. Advocates are urging Medicare to strengthen quality measures that promote routine kidney screening using simple blood and urine tests. Earlier detection could help people start treatment sooner and prevent kidney failure. The Role of the Coalition for Kidney Health Kidney disease often develops silently over many years, even in people who regularly see a doctor for conditions like high b

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2026 BATON ROUGE, LA — The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFL) is urging Louisiana’s Congressional delegation to support and co-sponsor critical bipartisan legislation that would strengthen kidney care, expand access to lifesaving organ transplantation, and improve long-term outcomes for patients while protecting Medicare sustainability. The legislation includes the Living Donor Protection Act (S. 1552/ H.R. 4582 & 4583) and the

National Kidney Foundation (NKF) submitted comments on proposed 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D changes that could affect people with chronic kidney disease, ESRD, and kidney transplants. Key issues include prescription drug affordability, quality ratings, plan flexibility, and protecting access to dialysis and transplant care. Learn what these updates could mean for kidney patients and their families. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medicare Advantage and Medicare

This new blog series is authored by physicians and researchers committed to improving kidney health through evidence-based care, collaboration, and early detection. We aim to bridge the gap between research, guidelines, real-world practice, examining what we know, and how care is delivered to patients. References and resources are provided in the hyperlinks. By Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer, National Kidney Foundation After the Super Bowl LX television commercial

On February 3, 2026, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 into law, bringing with it three major victories for pediatric kidney patients. After more than a year of hard work and advocacy, the Give Kids a Chance Act, the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, and the Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act are officially the law of the land. There’s a lot to celebrate for children with kidney disease and the families who love them. These three new bill

Transportation is a barrier for many people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who depend on in-center hemodialysis. The EnROUTE Study shines a powerful spotlight on this issue. The EnROUTE Study Many people receiving in-center hemodialysis don’t have reliable transportation.  The EnROUTE Study looked at 115,982 adults on in-center hemodialysis across the United States to see how this affects their care.  How Patient Voices Shaped the Study Researchers behind the EnROUTE S

Curious about living kidney donation but not sure what it takes to become a donor? This guide explains the basic requirements and what transplant teams look for. But remember, every situation is different. The only way to know for sure is through a living kidney donor evaluation. Basic Requirements for Living Donors Every transplant center has its own requirements for kidney donors. However, a person usually needs to meet the following criteria: Age:  The minimum is 18, altho

On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing on 10 bills aimed at improving Medicare payment policies and patient access. None are kidney-specific—but that doesn’t mean they won’t affect you. Here ’s what’s on the table and why it matters for the kidney community. H.R. 6361: Stopping AI from Denying Your Care What it does: The “Ban AI Denials in Medicare Act” would prohibit Medicare from using artificial intelligence algorithms to deny

On January 20, 2026, lawmakers released a final bipartisan FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) appropriations bill as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 . This bill represents major victories for individuals with kidney disease, transplant patients, and living donors—proof that collective advocacy works when voices come together. Here’s what this funding package means for the kidney community. Historic Investment in Kidney Disease Research (NIDDK) Th

In 2025, the FDA approved several new medications for kidney disease that target specific causes of kidney damage and may help slow disease progression and protect kidney function. Not every medicine is right for every type of kidney disease, but these approvals offer new hope for many patients. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn if any are right for you. Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease Ozempic (semaglutide) was first approved to treat type 2

Start the year off right with flavorful, kidney-friendly recipes that make healthy eating easy. Cook alongside Registered Dietitian Melanie Betz and discover new favorites for 2026. 3 Kidney-Friendly Recipes with Video Demonstrations A new year means new opportunities to nourish your body and feel your best. Whether you’re planning a cozy meal at home or looking for healthy inspiration, these three recipes—guided by Registered Dietitian Melanie Betz—bring delicious flavor and

Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your kidneys. Learn why mental health matters in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and free science-backed strategies you can start today. Taking Care of Your Mind and Kidneys Living with CKD affects more than your body. It can impact your emotions, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. This study found that about 1 in 5 people on dialysis and 1 in 4 people with a transplant experience depression. According to self

ACCESS is a new 10-year national model developed by the CMS Innovation Center set to launch on July 1, 2026. It is designed for Medicare beneficiaries living with chronic conditions like CKD, especially those who benefit from regular check-ins, early treatment, and coordinated care. A New Support Model for Medicare Patients National Kidney Foundation (NKF) staff attended “Modernizing America’s Care for Better Health,” a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) event hel

In 2025, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) achieved major advocacy wins that strengthened transplant reform, expanded living donor protection, defended federal funding, and advanced patient-centered kidney care. These accomplishments were made possible by dedicated advocates, patients, and nationwide partners. Standing Up for the 37 Million Americans With Kidney Disease In 2025, the NKF remained committed to advocating for people with kidney disease—despite policy uncertai

The Department of Health and Human Services announced new rules to make the kidney transplant waitlist and organ offers more transparent. NKF explains why this matters and shares a patient’s story about waiting for a kidney. Key Changes to the IOTA Model for Kidney Transplants On December 9, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced updates to the Increasing Transplant Access (IOTA) Model. This model tests new ways to increase the number of kidney transplant

Enjoy your favorite holiday flavors with a kidney-friendly twist. This menu keeps traditions alive, from low-sodium Rice Pasteles to protein-rich Mujadara and a silky, spiced crème for dessert.  Breakfast: Banana Berry Pancakes Start your holiday morning off with a stack of sweet, fruit-filled pancakes the whole family will enjoy. Serving size:  2 pancakes Ingredients 1 large banana, peeled and sliced 1 cup complete pancake mix ½ cup water Nonstick cooking spray 1-½ cups froz

If you have kidney disease and need dialysis, you might be wondering if home dialysis is right for you. Whether you’re thinking about switching from in-center dialysis or just exploring your options, this Home Dialysis FAQ answers the most common questions patients and families ask. 1. Am I a good candidate for home dialysis? Most people with kidney failure can do dialysis at home with proper training and support.  You may be a good candidate for home dialysis if: You’re will

Running out of time to find the perfect gift? Don't worry! Here are 30 chronic kidney disease (CKD)-friendly ideas that are easy to find, simple to assemble, or easy to make at home.  Gifts for Food Lovers Cooking and snacking can still be enjoyable, even with kidney diet restrictions. These food-related gifts make healthy eating easier and more delicious. Air Fryer:  This kitchen gadget makes it easy to enjoy crispy vegetables and lean proteins without heavy oils or frying.