There are some costs for living liver donors that should be considered. For example, potential donors must be evaluated for living liver donation to determine if they can be a donor – are they healthy, do they understand the process, are they a good match? To be evaluated, potential donors must travel to the transplant center where their loved one is waiting for a liver transplant.
Donors were asked how much they spent for medical and non-medical expenses such as travel, lodging and meals.
Approximately 60% of the donors spent less than $1,000 for expenses such as travel, lodging and meals. While two-thirds felt donating was not a financial hardship, 25% felt minor financial hardship by these expenses.
When asked if there was anything they would tell future donors about the expenses of donating, the respondents said:
- Inquire about short or long term disability
- Prepare for out-of-pocket expenses
- Prepare for loss of income
One donor suggested, "Plan ahead for help at home. Contact all your utility, cable and phone companies and explain what’s going on. Our cable company gave us two months free under the circumstances. Some companies will help."
Health Insurance
All but one of the donors had health insurance or a health plan. None of the donors were aware of an increase in their premiums or denial of health insurance coverage.
Life Insurance
Three quarters of the donors had life insurance; only one donor reported premium increases and denial of life insurance.
The New York Center for Liver Transplantation, Inc. (NYCLT)
99 Troy Road, Suite 200, East Greenbush, NY 12061 • (518) 533-7877 • www.nyclt.org