Over the years I have seen news segments showing bone marrow or donor drives for police officers and firefighters, when one of their colleagues is in need of a match. This got me interested in learning more about the system for these transplant operations and how insurance fits into the equation.
Who sponsors the marrow or donor drive? Does your health insurance cover all costs? Is there a deductible? What type of followup visits are covered and needed? Will you need home health care? How much time will you miss from work? Can the Family Medical Leave Act be used for your time away from work or do you need to lose vacation and sick days?
Autism Tissue Program - The Gift of Hope
Brain Donations
Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders
Planning for Transplant Costs - National Marrow Donor Program
Patient Advocate Foundation - request personalized help in access to care
Living Life After Transplant - Free DVD and other resources
Co-Pay Relief, Patient Assistance Program - this includes cancers, tumors and autoimmune disorders
Paid Donor Leave
Paid Donor Leave Statutes by State - PDF format
Umbilical Cord Blood Donation Process
U.S. Donor Centers
International Donor Centers
Join the registry
Donate Frequent Flyer Miles - Your travels on Northwest Airlines (NWA) could make a difference in the life of a transplant patient.
Chronic Illness and Transplantation Issues and the Adolescent - University of Virginia Health System
The Transplant Center, Understanding your transplant insurance coverage - A Unique Partnership of University of Minnesota Physicians Transplant Program and Fairview Health Services.
Frequently asked questions about Kidney Failure - American Kidney Fund
Sponsor A Bone Marrow Drive - San Diego Blood Bank covers what is involved in starting a blood drive and what takes place during the event.
Kidney Disease Dictionary
Before Donating Blood
Facts about enrolling as a bone marrow donor
Donate Life California - I registered here a few years ago and keep the printout in my wallet.
Bone marrow drive targets minorities - article from Orange County Register explains why the need for minorities and gives quick overview of the process.
Dialysis at home
National Kidney Disease Education Program - learn the risks
When is Dialysis needed?
Family and Medical Leave Act - U.S. Department of Labor
Cincinnati Transplant - Patient Information
Paying for a transplant - Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
Financing A Transplant - funding sources, transplant living
Hopefully these resources will help consumers know more about the process for donating bone marrow, kidney and other organs.
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