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Wilson Acts to Provide Tax Credit to Living Organ Donors

May 24, 2005
Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) introduced the "Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2005," (H.R. 2474). This legislation would provide a one time, tax credit up to $5,000 to help cover non-reimbursable expenses, including lost wages, incurred by living organ donors. After introducing this bill, he made the following remarks:"Thousands of people throughout South Carolina, including my predecessor the late Congressman Floyd Spence, have benefited from the tremendous selflessness of living organ donors," said Wilson. "However, Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance do not cover many expenses related to donation process, including travel and lost income, and many individuals who would like to be a living donor for a loved one are simply unable to do so. "By providing a tax credit of up to $5,000, we'll make it easier for friends and family members to give their loved ones a second chance at life. When over eighty-eight thousand Americans await life saving transplants, Congress should act now to ensure that more people serve as living organ donors."Background: H.R. 2474 & Organ Donation • H.R. 2474 would provide living donors with a one-time tax credit up to $5,000 for non-reimbursable expenses and lost wages incurred during the donation process. This tax credit would apply to living kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, and bone marrow donors.• Over 88,000 U.S. patients are currently waiting for an organ transplant; nearly 3,000 new patients are added to the waiting list each month.• Every day, 16 to 17 people die while waiting for a transplant of a vital organ.###