Massachusetts Senate adopts Spilka's amendment

Source: MetroWest Daily

On Friday, May 27, the Massachusetts Senate adopted state Sen. Karen Spilka’s, D-Ashland, “Gift of Life” amendment to the Senate budget, which creates an income tax deduction for Massachusetts residents who donate an organ, while living, to another human being.

“Gift of Life” will allow living organ donors a state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 in related expenses that include travel expenses, lodging expenses and lost wages that are incurred by the donor and related to his or her organ donation that are not reimbursed in any way.

“It is vital to ensure that living donors do not incur financial loss for their altruistic organ donation,” said Spilka. “This legislation will raise awareness for living organ donations, and help those in need of a transplant to receive an organ in a shorter period of time, and ultimately save lives every year.”

This legislation will ultimately save the state money by lowering the overall health care costassociated with those awaiting transplants including lengthy stays in hospitals and eliminating dialysis that can cost $50,000 a year per person.

Massachusetts will join 19 other states that have already passed legislation related to tax deductions for living organ donation, and currently 22 other states are considering this legislation.