Question for living donors regarding health insurance

[Karol]

A friend is doing research and asked me to put this question out here:
Were you denied health insurance, or given a  probationary period, for having a pre-existing condition from donating a kidney?

[Orchidlady]

I had group insurance through my work for both myself and my husband. I specifically asked prior to donating if there would be any changes or repercussions. The answer was "no", and I did find that to hold true after the donation.

[elephant]

No, but I have a policy that is paid up for 'life' that started before I donated. 

[Catherine C]

I am applying for health insurance right now.  We usually have coverage through my husband's work, however, he is getting laid off end of Oct.  My friend who is putting together a package for me has seen where donors have been denied, so I went and had my physical done so I can answer the LONG questionare that they require.  He did say if I get denied, they send it to the state I believe to where you can get coverage for those that have been denied. 
I had to get coverage about 4 years ago when my husband lost his job back then too, and BCBS, did not deny me. 
I will let you know if I get turned down.

[dodger]

We thought my hubbys Cobra insurance was going to run out, ended up we get another year, yeah. But as we were checking into insurance to see about rates and coverage, I was fine as long as my evaluations were ok, it was hubby that was denied by a couple as he is type 2 diabetic.  He is a higher risk than I am.  And his is very well controlled, didn't matter they wouldn't even consider him.

[mintx]

Nice to hear that people are not having problems.  I do not have health insurance and am about to be a donar.  I hope to get insurance within a few months after donating.

[Michael]

mintx, any chance you can get your insurance before you donate? I don't want to alarm you, but if you have a complication from the surgery, you could have a problem getting individual insurance afterwards. (It's not an issue if you're getting group coverage through your employer.) You really need to be covered BEFORE you have surgery.

[mintx]

I would love to get coverage before surgery but unfortunately it does not look like that will happen.  Life has been a bit of a challange the past few years.  I have decided ( with the support of my family) that we are not letting my circumstances interfear with my donation of a kidney to my mom (via donor chain).

The positive news is that with all of the testing, I am 100% healthy now.  I meet with the surgical team in two weeks for final approval but most of the poking, prodding, x-rays, blood and urine labs are FINALLY done.  If there are no complications and I get insurace after, then I will be in good shape.  If not, then I will deal with it.   

[Fr Pat]

     SOME transplant hospitals participate in a program of the "Living Organ Donor Network" that provides special life/health/disability insurance ONLY for living donors (for a limited time). You should ask the social worker attached to the organ donation program at your hospital, or the transplant coordinator, about this posibility.
     best wishes,
         Fr. Pat

[mintx]

Thank you!  I will ask about it when I meet with the team.  I do have life insurance that has been in place for a long time.