Beach-Scutari Bill to Prohibit Discrimination Against Living Organ Donors Now Law

Trenton – To protect living donors against unfair insurance rates, Governor Murphy signed legislation sponsored by Senators James Beach and Nicholas Scutari, which will prevent insurance companies from discriminating against living organ donors.

“In 2019 alone, 36,000 organ transplants were performed across the country, saving countless lives,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “Organ donors are heroes that save many lives each year; however, living donors are often viewed as a liability to insurance companies and are often charged higher rates or denied coverage. This behavior is unacceptable and I am grateful this legislation was signed into law, banning these unethical practices.”

“Many New Jerseyans across the state are in need of organ donations, but unfair insurance rates have made it difficult to encourage individuals to partake in being living organ donors,” said Senator Scutari (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset). “These individuals have made a significant sacrifice to save the life of someone else and they deserve protection so they are not penalized for that decision. I am thankful that this bill is now law and we can now better protect our living donors.”

The law, S-2315, will prohibit life, health and long-term care insurers from charging higher premiums or declining or limiting coverage based on an individual’s health status as a living organ donor.