Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

20 people in the United States will die today while waiting for a life-saving organ donation. More than 8,000 Pennsylvanians and their families are currently on the organ donation waiting list. Living organ donors are key to closing that gap, as at least 40% of kidneys for transplant worldwide come from living donors. Unfortunately, while an organ recipient’s health insurance covers the donor’s direct medical costs, donors can rack up bills in the thousands of dollars for related expenses, such as travel, lodging, food, and unpaid time off from work.

We believe we must do all we can to help make the living organ donation process easier for all involved. As such, we will soon be introducing legislation that would allow living organ donors to deduct up to $12,000 for unreimbursed expenses associated with the donation. Currently, businesses can receive a tax credit for providing paid leave to employees for the purpose of organ donation, but there is no tax benefit available to individuals who donate organs.
Providing financial support to donors will remove an obstacle to the living donation process. Please join us in helping those in need of a transplant as well as supporting the heroes among us who selflessly choose to give the gift of life.