FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION FOR TRANSPLANT

Transplant Financial Services as well as a social worker will work together to help transplant patients develop a financial plan. This would include understanding how transplant-related charges will be paid as well as how to cope with such things as transportation and caring for children or other family members during this time.

Costs related to transplant include evaluation and testing, transplant surgery and hospitalization, follow-up care and medication. Transplant Financial Services will assist each patient in developing a plan for addressing these financial obligations. A patient's insurance coverage plays a vital role, whether it is through a private company or a governmental program. So, it is important that each patient fully understand his or her coverage.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask your insurance company as you begin to consider transplant as a treatment option.

• Is transplant a covered benefit?
• Is there a maximum allowance on transplant and transplant-related services?
• Is there a maximum allowance on procurement of the organ?
• Is there a lifetime maximum or "cap" on the policy?
• Is there adequate coverage for post-transplant medications?
• What is the annual "out of pocket" maximum amount on the policy?

In the event that the patient does not have access to adequate insurance coverage for transplant, there may be other avenues to obtaining support to offset the expenses related to transplantation. These include charitable organizations, advocacy groups, or fund-raising campaigns. Again, Transplant Financial Services and/or a social worker can help identify what option is best for you.