Organ donors in New York will now be paid money from a special government fund

Organ donation can be one of the greatest gifts a person can make. But sometimes the cost of the procedure and rehabilitation can be overwhelming for the donor. New New York law aims to fix that, according to Silive.

The state legislature passed the "Donor Support Act" in June. And Gov. Kathy Hokul signed the bill into law on Dec. 29. The document will come into force in April.

The law aims to boost living organ donation in New York State, which lawmakers say is the 49th (penultimate) place in the US. The government fund will provide monetary compensation to New Yorkers who donate their organs for donation.

As of the end of last year, more than 8500 New Yorkers waiting for donor organs. Moreover, about 84% of them were expecting kidney donation.

“There is no greater gift for a New Yorker than saving a life,” Hokul said. Organ donors are real heroes. And with this law, we are taking meaningful steps to support their victim and save lives.”

On the subject: One person can save 8 lives: New Yorkers are encouraged to become organ donors

The state health commissioner will determine which donor expenses are eligible for reimbursement. These will include things like lost wages, childcare and medical expenses.

The new New York program will be the payer of last resort. That is, the employer's sick leave and National Living Donor Assistance Program will cover the costs in the first place.

“By expanding assistance to those willing to donate organs, the new law will help more New Yorkers give and receive the gift of life,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), who sponsored the bill.

In addition to reimbursement funds, the law also introduces transplant education for patients with severe kidney disease.

Nephrologists or primary care physicians will determine whether their patients with severe kidney disease are transplant candidates. And if so, provide patients with appropriate educational materials.

“People who donate one kidney deserve our gratitude and support,” said former State Assemblyman Richard Gottfried. “We have to protect them by covering medical expenses and lost income.”