Victor Valley Times

U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte from California, alongside Congresswoman Suzan DelBene from Washington, has put forward bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing the number of living organ donors eligible for federal assistance through the National Living Donor Assistance Center. The proposed Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act seeks to expand eligibility for reimbursement related to wage, travel, and caregiver expenses associated with organ donation.

Rep. Obernolte emphasized the financial challenges faced by potential donors, stating, "When deciding whether or not to perform the selfless act of donating an organ, the financial burdens of donation stops too many potential donors who are motivated and medically suitable." He further explained that these costs often involve travel and time off work for medical procedures.

Congresswoman DelBene highlighted the importance of removing obstacles that deter organ donation. She said, "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 current regulations restrict donor reimbursement based on combined income limits between donor and recipient, impacting 91% of living donors financially. The HOLD Act aims to shift these restrictions solely onto the donor's income, regardless of the recipient's financial situation. This change would benefit over 37 million Americans with chronic kidney diseases, including those with kidney failure.

The demand for organs significantly outpaces supply, with over 89,000 individuals on the national waiting list for kidney transplants. Medicare spends approximately $160 billion annually on kidney disease patients; dialysis alone costs nearly $55 billion each year. In contrast, transplantation is a more cost-effective option.

The HOLD Act had previously passed unanimously in the House during the 118th Congress and is seen as an essential measure to address these disparities and promote more life-saving donations.