New NY Law: Certain organ donors can now get state money; here’s how

[Clark]

https://www.silive.com/health/2023/01/new-ny-law-certain-organ-donors-can-now-get-state-money-heres-how.html

New NY Law: Certain organ donors can now get state money; here’s how
   By Paul Liotta

A living organ donation can be one of the greatest gifts a person can give, but sometimes the cost can be prohibitory. A new New York law hopes to fix that.

The Legislature passed the “New York State Living Donor Support Act” in June and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Dec. 29, and it will take effect in April.

It aims to increase living organ donation in the state that ranks 49th, according to legislators, by providing reimbursement for New Yorkers who provide living organ donations to other New Yorkers.
As of the end of last year, there are more than 8,500 New Yorkers awaiting an organ donation with about 84% awaiting a kidney, according to a media release from the governor’s office.


“There is no greater gift a New Yorker can give than the gift of saving a life,” Hochul said. “Living organ donors are true heroes, and with this legislation, we are taking meaningful steps to support their sacrifice and save lives.”


The state health commissioner, a position currently filled by Acting Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, will set the expenses eligible for reimbursement, but they will include things like wages, childcare and medical costs.


New York’s new program will be the payer of last resort, meaning things like an employer’s sick leave and the National Living Donor Assistance Program will cover expenses first.


“With expanded assistance for those inspired to become organ donors, I am confident this new law will help more New Yorkers give and receive the gift of life,” State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-the Bronx), who sponsored the bill in his chamber, said.


In addition to the reimbursement funds, the legislation also addresses redundancies in the existing state tax law and social services law that conflicted with the new legislation, and authorizes transplant education for patients with severe kidney disease.
Nephrologists or primary care physicians will determine if their patients with severe kidney disease are a candidate for transplants, and if so, provide patients with educational materials.


“Living donors, such as people who donate one kidney, deserve our gratitude and support,” former Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) said. “We should protect them by making sure they are covered for medical expenses and lost income.”