When was the Medicare law establishing treatment for ESRD patients passed?

The Medicare law that established treatment for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) was passed in 1972. This landmark legislation enabled individuals suffering from ESRD to receive dialysis and kidney transplantation as benefits under Medicare, ensuring that they had access to life-saving treatments. Prior to this law, many patients with kidney failure faced difficulties in affording necessary medical care, which significantly impacted their health outcomes. The 1972 legislation marked a significant advancement in the healthcare system, as it was one of the first times that a chronic illness was covered under Medicare, thereby acknowledging the need for comprehensive treatment options for ESRD. This not only improved the quality of life for countless patients but also laid the foundation for subsequent legislation and policies related to kidney disease treatment and management.