We're one step closer to paying donors for their kidneys in the US. Here's how it would work, and why it might save taxpayers billions over the next decade.
Thanks Paul! I'll be curious how this plays out. It sounds like if donors do not earn enough to take the $10,000 tax deduction, the government will give them a yearly check for $10,000.
Very interesting! It makes sense when you look at it in theory and on "paper". It is a win for patients, CMS and taxpayers. If this is approved, I wonder who will be the first and will donors rather have "cash in hand" verus a tax credit over 5 years?
Hi Kim! This is Elaine from the team that is aiming to pass the End Kidney Deaths Act in 2024.
The End Kidney Deaths Act (H.R. 9275) will be a win not just on paper but in reality for the ≈100,000 Americans who will receive kidneys from healthy, willing and incentivized strangers in the next decade. Not only is this a win for patients and taxpayers, but for hospitals too. Hospitals make money on living kidney donations and either lose more or break even on deceased donations.
The only option for donors who donate kidneys to strangers will be the refundable tax credit of $10,000 each year for 5 years, $50,000 total. Feel free to be in touch.
Thanks Kim! You know, I had similar questions. I'll tag in Ned, Cody, and Elaine who will be better read-in on this one. Their FAQs page has a helpful bit on the payment considerations, under "Why a refundable tax credit..." about a third of the way down the page: https://www.modifynota.org/faqs
![Signals From [Space]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_36,h_36,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4736f49-6a20-4fd6-a3de-d48cb4b105f2_375x375.png)
![Signals From [Space]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/e_trim:10:white/e_trim:10:transparent/h_72,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2efc1ef1-ba0b-4ca3-b9f6-a9a790da4b38_1344x256.png)
I like Kim's thinking. For a random "altruistic" donation it would need to be cash. Also, given the cost savings, $50k is a little light....
Thanks Paul! I'll be curious how this plays out. It sounds like if donors do not earn enough to take the $10,000 tax deduction, the government will give them a yearly check for $10,000.
The $50K number is based on this study:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2505683
Very interesting! It makes sense when you look at it in theory and on "paper". It is a win for patients, CMS and taxpayers. If this is approved, I wonder who will be the first and will donors rather have "cash in hand" verus a tax credit over 5 years?
Hi Kim! This is Elaine from the team that is aiming to pass the End Kidney Deaths Act in 2024.
The End Kidney Deaths Act (H.R. 9275) will be a win not just on paper but in reality for the ≈100,000 Americans who will receive kidneys from healthy, willing and incentivized strangers in the next decade. Not only is this a win for patients and taxpayers, but for hospitals too. Hospitals make money on living kidney donations and either lose more or break even on deceased donations.
The only option for donors who donate kidneys to strangers will be the refundable tax credit of $10,000 each year for 5 years, $50,000 total. Feel free to be in touch.
My email is: ElainePerlman@modifynota.org
We must pass this law to save lives.
The kidney shortage is a solvable problem. The End Kidney Deaths Act is the answer.
Thanks Kim! You know, I had similar questions. I'll tag in Ned, Cody, and Elaine who will be better read-in on this one. Their FAQs page has a helpful bit on the payment considerations, under "Why a refundable tax credit..." about a third of the way down the page: https://www.modifynota.org/faqs