University of Virginia Health System

Financial Issues

Organ transplantation is a life-long commitment. Fully understanding your insurance coverage and financial responsibility for ongoing medical care and medications is an important part of preparing for transplant.

As part of the transplant evaluation process, each patient will speak with a transplant financial counselor. The role of the financial counselor is to assist in obtaining transplant pre-authorization from insurance companies and determining the extent of coverage under each patient's plan.

Antirejection (immunosuppressive) medications are critical to the care of transplant recipients and in maintaining the transplanted organ. During the first year following transplant, drug costs are estimated to be in the range of $1,500 to $1,800 per month. After the first year, costs range from $600 to $800 per month. Patient responsibility for these costs vary according to the prescription coverage through your insurance plan. A reasonable plan must be in place prior to listing for transplant to ensure coverage for ongoing medical care and immunosuppressive drug therapy after transplant.

Financial Resources

For those patients relying on private funds, some organizations may be able to help with direct assistance and with your own fundraising efforts. The following groups may be of assistance in locating funds for your use:

Anyone who anticipates uninsured medical expenses such as relocation or medications related to transplantation should consider fundraising to help offset those expenses. NTAF helps patients organize, launch and sustain successful fundraising campaigns based on the kind of support network and special events available in their home communities. In addition to step by step guidance, NTAF offers a personal page for each patient on the NTAF website, guidance in dealing with the media and free resources.

Since 1983, patients facing financial major financial barriers on their journey to transplantation have found help through National Foundation for Transplants (NFT). NFT serves bone marrow and solid organ (kidney, liver and pancreas). NFT provides advocacy, support and financial assistance to transplant candidates and recipients when they face major transplant-related costs not covered by insurance.

The Children's Organ Transplant Association provides fundraising assistance for children and young adults needing life-saving transplants and promotes organ, marrow and tissue donation.

Angel Flight America is an organization of more than 5,000 pilots and other volunteers, is dedicated to serving U.S. communities by providing free air transportation on private aircraft to financially and medically needy people who cannot access or afford regular commercial transportation to health care.