Financial Aspects

Living Donation Costs

Medical expenses associated with living donor evaluation are covered by either the recipient's insurance or in certain circumstances, by the Transplant Centers Organ Acquisition Fund (OAF). In either instance, the living donor should not incur any expenses for the evaluation. However, expenses related to another health concern that may identified during the evaluation process will not be covered by the recipient's insurace or the OAF.

The actual donation surgery expense is covered by the recipient's insurance. The transplant center will charge a recipient's insurance an "acquisition fee" when he or she receives a transplant. The medical costs related to the donation procedure and required postoperative care are also covered by this fee. In some instances, the actual itemized bill for the donor procedure is submitted to the recipient's insurance.

Anything that falls outside of the transplant center's donor evaluation is not covered. These costs could include annual physicals, travel, lodging, lost wages and other non-medical expenses. Although it is against the law to pay a living donor for the organ, these costs may be covered by the recipient. Be sure to check your specific insurance policy or ask a transplant financial coordinator about concerns related to your specific circumstances. You may also want to learn more about the National Living Donor Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to those who want to donate an organ.

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