z-logo
Premium
Experiences Obtaining Insurance After Live Kidney Donation
Author(s) -
Boyarsky B. J.,
Massie A. B.,
Alejo J. L.,
Van Arendonk K. J.,
Wildonger S.,
GaronzikWang J. M.,
Montgomery R. A.,
Deshpande N. A.,
Muzaale A. D.,
Segev D. L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1600-6143
pISSN - 1600-6135
DOI - 10.1111/ajt.12819
Subject(s) - kidney donation , medicine , donation , health insurance , organ donation , family medicine , kidney , kidney transplantation , actuarial science , transplantation , health care , law , business , political science
The impact of kidney donation on the ability to change or initiate health or life insurance following donation is unknown. To quantify this risk, we surveyed 1046 individuals who donated a kidney at our center between 1970 and 2011. Participants were asked whether they changed or initiated health or life insurance after donation, and if they had any difficulty doing so. Among 395 donors who changed or initiated health insurance after donation, 27 (7%) reported difficulty; among those who reported difficulty, 15 were denied altogether, 12 were charged a higher premium and 8 were told they had a preexisting condition because they were kidney donors. Among 186 donors who changed or initiated life insurance after donation, 46 (25%) reported difficulty; among those who reported difficulty, 23 were denied altogether, 27 were charged a higher premium and 17 were told they had a preexisting condition because they were kidney donors. In this single‐center study, a high proportion of kidney donors reported difficulty changing or initiating insurance, particularly life insurance. These practices by insurers create unnecessary burden and stress for those choosing to donate and could negatively impact the likelihood of live kidney donation among those considering donation.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here