Living Donor Protection Act of 2025
The legislation will amend existing federal laws and regulations to ensure that living organ donors are treated fairly by insurance providers. By prohibiting discrimination in terms of insurance accessibility, it aims to enhance the overall societal perception of organ donation and potentially increase the number of organ donors. Additionally, the bill seeks to address the issue of medical leave by clarifying that recovery from organ donation surgery qualifies as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This provision would ensure that living donors can take necessary time off work to recover without risking their jobs.
SB1552, known as the Living Donor Protection Act of 2025, aims to promote and safeguard the rights of living organ donors by prohibiting discrimination in life and disability insurance policies. The bill explicitly states that insurers cannot deny coverage, increase premiums, or otherwise adversely affect the terms of an insurance policy solely based on an individual's status as a living organ donor. This measure is intended to encourage organ donation by removing barriers that might dissuade individuals from donating organs due to the potential negative impact on their insurance opportunities.
While supporters of SB1552 argue that the bill represents a necessary step towards protecting living organ donors and encouraging altruism in organ donation, there may be concerns from insurance companies regarding the implications on their risk assessments and underwriting practices. Some stakeholders might argue that the bill could create financial strain on insurers if they are unable to adjust premiums or deny coverage based on what they consider legitimate actuarial risks. As such, there may be debates on balancing the protection of living organ donors with the financial realities of insurance underwriting.