(Quantifying Negative)Experiences Obtaining Insurance After Live Kidney Donation

[Clark]

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajt.12819/abstract

Experiences Obtaining Insurance After Live Kidney Donation

B. J. Boyarsky1, A. B. Massie1,2, J. L. Alejo1, K. J. Van Arendonk1, S. Wildonger1, J. M. Garonzik-Wang1, R. A. Montgomery1, N. A. Deshpande1, A. D. Muzaale1 andD. L. Segev1,2,*
DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12819
American Journal of Transplantation
Early View (Online Version of Record published before inclusion in an issue)

Abstract

The impact of kidney donation on the ability to change or initiate health or life insurance following donation is unknown. To quantify this risk, we surveyed 1046 individuals who donated a kidney at our center between 1970 and 2011. Participants were asked whether they changed or initiated health or life insurance after donation, and if they had any difficulty doing so. Among 395 donors who changed or initiated health insurance after donation, 27 (7%) reported difficulty; among those who reported difficulty, 15 were denied altogether, 12 were charged a higher premium and 8 were told they had a preexisting condition because they were kidney donors. Among 186 donors who changed or initiated life insurance after donation, 46 (25%) reported difficulty; among those who reported difficulty, 23 were denied altogether, 27 were charged a higher premium and 17 were told they had a preexisting condition because they were kidney donors. In this single-center study, a high proportion of kidney donors reported difficulty changing or initiating insurance, particularly life insurance. These practices by insurers create unnecessary burden and stress for those choosing to donate and could negatively impact the likelihood of live kidney donation among those considering donation.

[Clark]

The Affordable Care Act changes the landscape for both getting insurance and changing providers, including exclusions or increased premiums for pre-existing conditions. Regardless of the egregious adverse decisions of the past, this all should be a thing of the past. If anyone is still experiencing any difficulty, discrimination, or extra fees regarding their insurability after donating, please contact your state Attorney General and let us know what you learn.