Press Releases

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced legislation to significantly increase the number of living organ donors who are eligible for federal assistance for their selfless act. The Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act will allow more donors to qualify for wage, travel, and caregiver reimbursement when donating organs.

Income restrictions currently limit who can be reimbursed for becoming a living organ donor. Under existing regulations, 91% of living donors are forced to shoulder the financial burden of their donation because of the income of the organ recipient. The HOLD Act would eliminate these income-based eligibility restrictions ensuring that all living donors, regardless of the recipient's financial status, can access the federal reimbursement program. This legislation aims to support the more than 37 million Americans living with chronic kidney diseases, including the more than 800,000 patients with kidney failure.

“This bipartisan legislation is a critical step in removing unnecessary roadblocks that discourage organ donation. Living donors make extraordinary sacrifices to give the gift of life to people in need but the current health care system doesn’t provide them with the support they need. The HOLD Act would address these financial and logistical challenges, opening the door for more life-saving donations. By increasing organ donations, we can improve health outcomes, reduce waiting times, and lower long-term health care costs for Medicare and the entire system,” said DelBene.

“When deciding whether or not to perform the selfless act of donating an organ, the financial burdens of donation stop far too many potential donors who are motivated and medically suitable,” said Obernolte. “Donating an organ often involves taking time off work for invasive medical procedures. The HOLD Act will ensure more individuals can recoup this personal cost and help give the gift of life to others.”

Patients with kidney failure often depend on dialysis while waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant, a time-consuming and physically demanding treatment. The need for organs far exceeds the supply, with over 89,000 people currently on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Medicare spends approximately $160 billion annually, or over 20% of its total budget, on patients with kidney diseases. Dialysis and related care for kidney failure alone account for nearly $55 billion each year. By contrast, kidney transplantation and post-transplant care are far less costly, representing a more effective and sustainable investment in patient care. This bill to expand access to living donor reimbursements would not only save lives but also reduce the financial burden on Medicare.

The HOLD Act passed the House of Representatives unanimously during the 118^th Congress and represents a critical step forward in addressing these disparities, improving outcomes for patients, and encouraging more people to become living donors without unnecessary financial strain. 

A copy of the bill can be found here.