Raising Kidney Health Awareness During National Kidney Month During March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Kidney Month. Estimates show more than 1 in 7 adults have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and 9 in 10 adults with CKD do not know they are infected with the disease. CKD is most common in those over the age of 65 and among those with Medicare. Black Americans are the most heavily impacted (33%), followed by American Indian/Alaskan Natives (30%), and Hispanic Americans (28%). CKD causes damage to the kidneys that affects their ability to filter blood. This can lead to kidney failure and may require a transplant or dialysis. The two main causes of CKD are diabetes and hypertension, two conditions that also disproportionately impact minority populations. Screening for early detection of CKD is crucial in preventing kidney failure as people may not have early symptoms. In addition, people with CKD should get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster as they are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. During National Kidney Month, CMS OMH encourages you to use the following resources to help your community get screened for CKD and know how to get treatment. Resources View the Chronic Kidney Disease Disparities in Medicare Fee-For-Service Beneficiaries data snapshot, which provides overview of CKD disparities among people enrolled in Medicare. Download the Chronic Kidney Disease Often Undiagnosed in Medicare Beneficiaries data highlight, which compared kidney disease stage between lab tests and diagnoses (claims data) among people with Medicare. Review the Chronic Kidney Disease Disparities: Educational Guide for Primary Care, which is intended to foster the development of primary care practice teams in order to enhance care for patients who are at risk of CKD or who have CKD and are at risk of progression of the disease. Review Managing Diabetes: Medicare Coverage & Resources that includes tips to help patients manage diabetes as well as information on cost-saving programs and Medicare coverage of medications, testing and supplies. Download and share Diabetes Management: Directory of Provider Resources, designed to facilitate diabetes treatment for primary care teams, particularly providers working with people with Medicare who experience a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Share Diabetes Prevention Programs: Equity Tailored Resources, which are tailored to various audiences, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ communities, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. Visit our website to learn more about our Connected Care campaign, which explains the benefits of chronic care management (CCM) for patients with multiple chronic conditions. The campaign also provides health care professionals with resources to implement CCM in their practices. View the Coverage to Care Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You, which helps to explain what health coverage is and how to use it to get primary care and preventive services. This resource is available in 8 languages.     CMS Office of Minority Health  |  Working to Achieve Health Equity Paid for by the US Department of Health and Human Services