Living-related donor — This is a person related to you by blood that offers to donate a healthy kidney.

Living-unrelated donor — This is a person who is not related to you by blood, such as a spouse or friend, that is willing to donate a healthy kidney.

Paired-kidney donation — This is done through a kidney exchange program that matches donors and candidates with other pairs who do not match. If a potential living donor’s kidney is incompatible with their recipient, the donor’s kidney could be exchanged for a compatible kidney. 

Deceased donor: This is a person who has died but had decided to donate a kidney.

Because there is an organ donor shortage, the waiting time for a deceased donor may be three to four years, depending on your blood type. The deceased donor will have been declared brain dead or will have died by heart death.

Most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, pay for organ transplants. Often, there are limits or exclusions for certain services. Your financial coordinator will verify coverage with your insurance company and will help you with a financial plan during your pre-evaluation. It is important to understand your coverage and your potential out-of-pocket expenses, so you can develop a long-term plan to cover your transplant costs.

Organ transplant is a very costly surgery. Most people cannot afford transplant surgery without some kind of health insurance. Costs can be divided into two categories.

Medical costs include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-evaluation and testing — covered by the kidney transplant program
• Transplant surgery — covered by your insurance
• Donor organ fees — covered by the kidney transplant program
• After surgery tests — covered by your insurance
• After surgery problems — covered by your insurance
• Doctor fees (transplant surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist, radiologist, etc.) — covered by your insurance

Deductible, co-pays, prescription and non-prescription drugs tend to account for most of your out-of-pocket costs. Other non-medical costs that are your responsibility include, but not are limited to:

• Transportation to and from the transplant center
• Food and lodging
• Lost wages
• Child care

The hospital accepts most private insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid. Your financial coordinator will verify your insurance before your pre-evaluation to make sure the hospital accepts your plan.

All routine testing, hospitalization costs and doctor services required for the living donor evaluation are covered either by the recipient’s (person receiving the kidney) insurance or the kidney transplant program. Transplant-related complications are covered by your insurance for at least 90 days or more depending on your insurance.

Travel expenses, child care and lost wages may be your donor's responsibility. These costs are not covered by Medicare or private insurance. However, donors may be eligible for sick leave, state disability and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) from their job.  It is important for donors and their families to consider the financial impact of donating and other possible expenses. Donors may be eligible for assistance with travel, hotel, food, etc., through the Living Donor Assistance Fund. Your financial coordinator will review the resources available through the National Living Donor Assistance Center with your donor.

1. Does my insurance provide coverage for the entire transplant process?
2. Do I need a second opinion? If so, who will pay for it?
3. Is there a waiting period for coverage? If so, how long is it? Am I currently in the waiting period?
4. Do I have to get approval or authorization before the transplant?
5. What pre and post-transplant tests do you cover? Do I need to go to a certain hospital or clinic for them?
6. Are there any deductibles or co-pays? What are my total out-of-pocket costs per year?
7. Does my insurance cover the costs of travel, lodging, and food while going through transplant and after transplant?
8. What is the coverage for post-transplant medicines? What is my co-pay?
9. Do I have a maximum amount or cap on my coverage?
10. Do I need to let you know when I am admitted to the hospital?

• A social worker can connect you with community resources and make referrals based on your need and eligibility.
• A social worker can provide emotional support, listen to your concerns and help you use or develop your problem-solving skills.
• A social worker can help you understand the health care system during all phases of your transplant process.

Call your social worker when you have questions or concerns about an issue or before a crisis happens.