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A bill in the Indiana Senate that supporters say protects living organ donors is now headed to the Indiana House for lawmakers there to consider whether it should become law.
Senate Bill 111 passed out of the Senate Thursday, Jan. 30 with overwhelming support.
"A lot bills have stories behind them," said State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-District 46), explaining that being on a waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant is a reality for thousands of Americans.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 123,000 Americans are on that waitlist. More than a 100,000 of those waiting need a kidney.
Hunley, who is a co-author of SB 111, along with State Sens. Ed Charbonneau (R-District 5) and Scott Baldwin (R-District 20), say people have been reluctant to donate a kidney because they’re worried they won’t be able to get life insurance and other coverage if they only have one.
SB 111 would prohibit companies who provide life insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance from denying a living organ donor coverage just because they’ve donated a kidney, part of their liver or lung — all organs someone can donate while they’re alive.
MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/bill-aimed-protecting-living-organ-donors-passes-out-of-indiana-senate/531-fbb3cec8-9859-40ee-9493-65bdb29381ca