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Author Topic: Compensation for travelling  (Read 7438 times)

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Offline alexa23

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Compensation for travelling
« on: July 18, 2017, 12:21:42 PM »
Dear Forum,
I have a quick question. If I decide to become a kidney donor, is there a way to get compensated for travel expenses, wages that I missed and my husband's travel and lodging?
I understand of course that the procedure must be 100% altruistic and morally I fully agree with it, but honestly, a cost of $5000+ that my family will be paying/loosing because of missed work/lodging/travelling and other out of pocket expenses really makes me hesitant. 

Offline Michael

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2017, 07:13:52 PM »
Yes, you can be compensated for travel expenses up to cost without it being considered payment for the organ. US law allows for payment for travel, housing, and lost wages incurred by the donor of a human organ in connection with the donation of the organ.

You can ask the intended recipient for financial help. There are also these resources (thanks to Karol Franks for compiling this information):

National Living Donor Assistance Center https://www.livingdonorassistance.org/potentialdonors/applicationprocess.aspx "To file an application for donor travel expense to the transplant center, the recipient and the donor must complete NLDAC Application Worksheets and give to your transplant center professional who will file an application on behalf of the donor. Eligibility is based on yearly household incomes."

American Living Organ Donor Fund http://www.helplivingdonorssavelives.org/ "The need to support living organ donors is as great as the organ shortage itself."

American Transplant Foundation http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/programs/pap/ "Our goal is to provide support so they won’t be in a financial trouble after giving the Gift of Life."

Some states also offer tax deductions or credits for travel expenses and time away from work: http://www.transplantliving.org/living-donation/financing-living-donation/legislation/

National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is now also helping living donors overcome the financial disincentives to donation through our Raise Hope Fundraising Program. http://www.transplants.org/living-donor-fundraising

These organizations may provide financial assistance to transplant candidates or recipients and their families, and some to donors. This is a sample listing and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive list or an endorsement. Ask your transplant financial team for the latest information or help. http://www.transplantliving.org/before-the-transplant/financing-a-transplant/directory/

Hope this helps!
Michael
Living Donors Online
Our mission: to improve the living donation experience

Offline Paparafa

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2017, 06:19:03 PM »
Does your state or company offer Short Term Disability?  That is what I used for my wages...airplane  fees were my own.
Whatever happens you will not regret it.

Offline Fr Pat

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2017, 07:58:38 PM »
I'm just bouncing this up on the list inorder to help someone else find it.
  Fr. Pat

Offline Boggsprop

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2017, 06:12:15 PM »
The National Living Donor Assistance Center is the premier source. I filled out the application but the social worker at our transplant center intially told me it was only for people traveling great distances, which is not true. I asked her to sign off on it, and I was approved. We only live 30 miles south of our transplant facility. It's for ALL donors!

https://www.livingdonorassistance.org/


They have a formula for calculating your mileage to the hospital, they will provide for meals, gas, money for a companion, lodging, etc. They are also well funded from national grants.

When I donated, I was allowed to fly my sister here to Mass. from Washington D.C. to help take care of me. I couldn't walk, I was bent over from the incision and I couldn't even perform basic hygiene tasks. I WAS SO GRATEFUL for her being here! I couldn't have done it without the assistance of the NLDAC.

They fund an American Express credit card with your budget and it is active for up to three years. It covers follow up visits and any visits related to the initial donation. The team is also very supportive and they make sure you have resources for what you need. It made a big difference.

Good luck!

Offline Fr Pat

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2018, 07:32:29 AM »
Just bumping this up to the top to help someone find it.

Offline Fr Pat

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2019, 06:16:09 AM »
Bumping this to the top of the list.

Offline Michael

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Re: Compensation for travelling
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2019, 08:47:37 AM »
Some of the links are broken in my original reply, but here's a new one from the UNOS site listing financial resources:
https://transplantliving.org/financing-a-transplant/financial-resources-directory/
Michael
Living Donors Online
Our mission: to improve the living donation experience

 

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