LOUISIANA (en español)
Last updated on March 20, 2018 by Matthew G. Kamine. (Please consider sending us a contribution at our office address specifically to help cover the administrative costs of updating this database – click here)
Please note that the information given here is intended as a general guideline. Please look into the specifics in your state to determine definitely if you qualify for one of the benefits listed here. Your living organ donor coordinator may be a good resource for such information.
Most benefits are available in the state where you live, but also check for potential benefits in the state where you are donating if you are donating outside the state where you live.
Please discuss with your organ recipient options that may be available through his or her insurance. Some private insurance companies offer transplant recipients travel and lodging benefits but do not care if recipients use that benefit themselves, or for a companion caregiver, or a donor.
There is one Federal program that provides money for travel and subsistence living for donors whose recipients can demonstrate need, please go to http://www.
All Federal Employees are eligible to take up to 30 days a year of paid leave for donating organs or seven days of paid leave for donating bone marrow. 5 U.S.C. § 6327.
Any Louisiana private employers with 20 or more employees must grant employees up to 40 hours of paid leave for bone marrow, but not organ, donation. La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1299.124 Employers are granted tax credit in the amount of 25% of wages paid to an employee on leave for providing the leave. La. Rev. Stat. § 47:287.758. Check with your employer about taking advantage of this employer sponsored donation related paid leave. If you work for a state or local government, please ask your human resources official if this provision also applies to you.
Louisiana allows living donors up to $7,200 in state income tax credits for travel, lodging, and lost wages related to donation. La. Rev. Stat. § 47:297(N)(1), effective until June 30, 2018.
For updates on statutes and possible legislation under considerations, please see http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/home.aspx. Executive orders can be searched at http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/other/exord.htm.
Check with the living organ donor coordinator and/or transplant social worker at the transplant center where you plan to donate for more information about local organizations that support living donors.
Private non-government groups
(Many of these groups are set up to help transplant recipients but will also help organ donors)
National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana aims to help donors better make a decision about donating. They also have many links to other websites providing further information about organ donation and support groups in the state and around the country.
The “Other Living Donor Support Organizations” button on the right hand side of our home page lists some national organizations that may be of assistance.