Michigan Senate Bill SB0384

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/23
• Refer: 6/13/23
• Report Pass: 6/27/23
• Refer: 6/27/23
• Engrossed: 6/28/23
• Refer: 6/28/23
• Report Pass: 10/5/23
• Enrolled: 10/19/23
• Chaptered: 11/8/23
• Passed: 11/8/23

Caption

Insurance: insurers; denying or limiting insurance to living organ donors; prohibit. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding secs. 3406z, 3901a & 4002.

Impact

The impact of SB 384 on state laws is significant; it aligns insurance regulations with social values surrounding organ donation. By protecting living donors from discrimination in insurance coverage, the bill aims to promote organ donation as a positive and valuable act within the community. This may encourage more individuals to consider donating as they will have the assurance that their decision will not adversely affect their access to necessary insurance products in the future.

Summary

Senate Bill 384 aims to amend the existing insurance laws in Michigan to prohibit insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage specifically to individuals who are living organ or tissue donors. This bill adds sections regarding disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and life insurance to ensure that living donors are treated fairly compared to those who have not donated organs or tissues. By doing so, it seeks to create a more equitable insurance environment for all residents, particularly those who make the altruistic choice to donate organs or tissues to save lives.

Sentiment

Initial discussions around SB 384 show a generally positive sentiment toward the legislation, with strong support from lawmakers and advocacy groups for transplant medicine and organ donation. Proponents view the bill as a necessary step toward eliminating barriers for living donors and helping to save more lives through organ transplantation. However, some concerns were raised regarding the potential impact this might have on insurance companies, particularly about actuarial risks associated with donors. The discourse around the bill has been largely constructive, with advocacy for living donors taking center stage.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions around SB 384 was the balancing act between protecting living donors and ensuring that insurers can still manage risk effectively. Some critics expressed concerns about the implications for insurance premiums and the broader insurance market if donating an organ leads to insurable risk classifications. Despite this contention, proponents maintain that the ethical obligation to support organ donation must take priority and that a balance can be achieved without compromising the sustainability of the insurance industry.