Blumenthal presses FTC on dialysis duopoly probe
Sen. Richard Blumenthal urged the Federal Trade Commission to disclose the results of its investigation into the U.S. for‑profit dialysis industry and to pursue 'robust' enforcement against Fresenius and DaVita if warranted. The senator told CBS News the FTC has examined whether the two firms’ dominant market share has harmed care quality, but findings have not been made public; he cited concerns about anticompetitive conduct in a sector serving about 500,000 Americans.
📌 Key Facts
- Blumenthal says the FTC probed whether Fresenius and DaVita’s dominance affects patient care and asked the agency to release findings and take enforcement action.
- Fresenius and DaVita control nearly 75% of U.S. dialysis clinics (about 5,600 of 7,600).
- A CBS review found about one‑third of clinics failed federal standards this year (average score 60/100).
📊 Relevant Data
In 2022, the prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among Black individuals in the US was 6,555 per million population, over four times that of White individuals at 1,514 per million population.
Incidence, Prevalence, Patient Characteristics, and Treatment Modalities — United States Renal Data System
In 2022, the prevalence of ESRD among Hispanic individuals in the US was 3,536 per million population, more than twice that of White individuals at 1,514 per million population.
Incidence, Prevalence, Patient Characteristics, and Treatment Modalities — United States Renal Data System
The major causes of kidney disease, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, are all more prevalent among Black Americans.
Health Disparities — National Kidney Foundation
Some people of West African descent face a higher risk of renal failure due to genetic variants like APOL1.
Targeting the racial disparity in kidney disease — Knowable Magazine