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.