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Bill

CA

Bill

S 4287

Requires health insurance coverage for donation of organs from individuals declared dead.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Amato and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey requires health insurers to cover all medical costs for deceased organ donation procedures, eliminating financial barriers for donor families.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4287

Legislative bill overview

S 4287 mandates that health insurance plans in New Jersey cover the medical and surgical costs associated with organ donation from deceased individuals. The bill ensures that donors' families do not face financial barriers or unexpected medical bills resulting from the organ procurement process. This applies to all health insurance coverage regulated by the state.

Why is this important

Organ donation saves lives, but families of deceased donors sometimes face substantial bills for procurement surgery, hospitalization, and related medical procedures not covered by insurance. Financial concerns can discourage donation or create hardship for grieving families. Removing these barriers increases donation rates while protecting families from unexpected costs during an already difficult time.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue this mandate increases premiums for all policyholders to cover a relatively small number of procedures, raising questions about cost-shifting to broader populations
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on which specific costs are covered (e.g., does it include family travel, extended hospitalization, or only direct procurement surgery?)
  • Federal coordination: Federal law (the National Organ Transplant Act) already addresses some organ donation issues; critics may question whether state-level mandates create redundancy or conflict with existing federal frameworks

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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