New York Launches $14,000 Reimbursement Program for Living Kidney Donors

Albany, N.Y. – The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has officially launched its Living Donor Support Program, allowing New Yorkers who donate a kidney to another New York resident to be reimbursed for up to $14,000 in associated expenses. This program aims to remove financial barriers to living organ donation, a critical step in addressing the state's significant organ transplant waitlist. The launch follows the implementation of regulations for the program, established through legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The program, which went into effect on October 22, 2025, covers eligible costs such as travel expenses, lost wages during recovery, dependent care, and certain unreimbursed medical costs. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the program's importance, stating, "Expenses should not be the barrier that stops a person from choosing to help another in this way." The initiative is designed to ensure that potential donors are not financially penalized for their life-saving act.

New York faces a critical shortage of organ donors, with approximately 8,000 residents awaiting a life-saving transplant, of whom about 7,000 are in need of a kidney. In 2024 alone, roughly 690 individuals were removed from waiting lists due to death or becoming too ill for transplant. The Living Donor Support Program seeks to increase the number of living donations, which often result in better outcomes and longer organ survival for recipients.

The legislation establishing this program, known as the Living Donor Support Act, was initially passed in 2022 but faced delays in implementation. Advocacy groups and lawmakers pushed for its activation, highlighting the potential to save hundreds of lives annually. The Kidney Transplant Collaborative (KTC) applauded New York's move, with Co-chair Dr. Andy Howard stating, "We are committed to expanding access to life-saving kidney transplants and supporting living kidney donation."

To apply, prospective living donors must submit their application through their transplant center before their donation surgery. The NYSDOH's fund will administer the reimbursements, making New York the first state to offer such direct financial support for living organ donors. This program is expected to significantly ease the burden on individuals considering donation, thereby increasing the pool of available organs.