Reimbursement of Lost Wages & Out-of-Pocket Costs

If I become a donor, what medical expenses are my responsibility?

Zero.  All medical expenses are 100% covered by my insurance provider.  Out-of-pocket expenses and lost salary/wages are paid through the Donor Shield program.

What does it cost for medical evaluation and testing before surgery?

Zero.  Everything is covered 100% by my insurance.  The only costs not covered are driving and parking at a local hospital for initial testing.  See detailed FAQ below.  

Will I be compensated somehow for time off work for surgery and recuperation?

Yes - up to $12,000. Donor Shield pays you up to $2,000 per week up for a maximum of 6 weeks regardless if you have an employer or are self-employed.  Here are the terms & conditions:

  • Reimbursement beyond 2 weeks requires approval by the transplant center.  This is common and here’s a video about it.  Most donors recover from surgery in 1-2 weeks, but in case of unforeseen complications or restrictions on lifting at work, the benefit period can be extended.

  • You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number or Employee Identification Number.  Wage reimbursement is taxable income just like your regular paycheck, but expense reimbursement is not taxable.

  • Documentation is required to show income and current employment:  1) Two most recent paystubs; 2) Tax return from previous year (if self-employed, provide form 1040, 1099, 941 or a K1); your bank’s ACH information – account and routing number – for deposit of reimbursement

  • If you work multiple jobs, provide paystubs for all jobs.  They must have the same or overlapping pay period dates.

  • Reimbursements are made via ACH within 10 business days after submission of expense/wage documentation

  • For more information about this topic, go here.  

Are Out-of-Pocket Expenses Covered?

Yes – up to $6,000.  Expenses are covered for you and an accompanying caregiver, including daycare for a child or parent, if necessary.  Here’s a snapshot:

Not Covered

  • Gas/mileage to hospital for initial testing, parking, and any phone or internet costs for communicating with your medical team

Covered

  • Transportation for donation – taxi, ride share, car rental, parking, mileage @ IRS medical rate)

  • Lodging for hotel, motel, Airbnb, etc.

  • Meals during testing, surgery and recovery while at surgical hospital (not at home after surgery)

  • Dependent care for child or adult day care, before- and after-school care, in-home care and summer day camp

Terms & Conditions

  • Receipts are required for travel, lodging and meals for reimbursement

  • If care for children or adults is provided through an individual and a receipt for services cannot be produced, the donor will sign an affidavit instead

  • Payments are made via ACH 10 days after receipts are submitted.

Will I get paid for donating a kidney?

No.  That's a crime.  Just like when you're in a TSA line at the airport, don't even joke about this with anyone, especially your medical team. The penalties are $50,000 in fines and 5 years in jail. Federal law 42 U.S. Code §274e states:  “It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly acquire, receive, or otherwise transfer any human organ for valuable consideration for use in human transplantation if the transfer affects interstate commerce.”