Reimbursement of Lost Wages & Out-of-Pocket Costs

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

Zero. The entire process is designed so that donors pay nothing for evaluation, testing, surgery, and post-surgical care - PERIOD.

All medical expenses are 100% covered by Aetna, 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.

Financials, costs and insurance are complicated. Who can I talk to about this?

Loyola provides an insurance/financial counselor who will guide you through every issue and question. The donation process will not go forward without your complete understanding and approval.

Will I be paid for time off work for surgery and recuperation?

Yes - up to $12,000, with additional coverage if you experience complications. 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.  The details:

• Reimbursement for time up to 2 weeks requires no approval, and 90% of donors recuperate in 1-2 weeks.

• Reimbursement beyond 2 weeks requires approval by the transplant center, but this is common and here’s a video about it. 

• Reimbursement beyond 6 weeks requires approval by Donor Shield.

• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number or Employee Identification Number. 

• Wage reimbursement is taxable income just like your regular paycheck

• Expense reimbursement is not taxable.

• Documentation required to show income and employment:  1) two recent paystubs; 2) tax return from previous year; for 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 rate

• Lodging for hotel, motel, Airbnb, etc.

• Meals during testing, surgery and recovery while at surgical hospital

• Dependent care for child or adult, such as 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.

Who pays for medical expenses if I experience complications after surgery?

Complications after living kidney donation are extremely rare. My Aetna insurance pays for medical expenses up to 90 days after surgery. Any uncovered costs after 90 days are covered by Donor Shield with no set maximum. Your financial coordinator, a member of your 10-person transplant team, will research and discuss all issues with you prior to your decision whether to donate or not.

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 (42 U.S. Code §274e).