Ohio lawmakers are addressing the critical shortage of kidney transplants with the introduction of House Bill 399, aimed at incentivizing living organ donations. Currently, nearly 3,000 Ohioans are on the waiting list for organ transplants, with over 1,900 specifically awaiting kidney transplants. The stark reality is that many patients will die while waiting, as the supply of transplantable kidneys falls short of demand.

The bill proposes a new income tax credit for employers who provide paid leave to employees who donate organs. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens faced by potential living donors, who often encounter significant costs associated with the donation process. The National Kidney Foundation has highlighted these financial hurdles, which can deter individuals from becoming donors.

Under House Bill 399, employers could receive a tax credit of up to $9,000 per employee for providing paid leave during the recovery period following a living organ donation. The legislation also sets a cap on the total credits available to an employer at $54,000 per taxable year. This move is expected to encourage more individuals to consider living organ donation, thereby increasing the pool of available organs and potentially saving lives.

The financial implications of kidney disease are substantial, with over 19,000 patients in Ohio currently receiving dialysis, costing Medicaid more than $10 million annually. The emotional and physical toll on patients and their families is significant, with one constituent reporting a staggering weekly cost of $24,000 for dialysis treatment.

Supporters of House Bill 399 argue that by reducing barriers to living organ donation, the state can improve healthcare outcomes, enhance the quality of life for patients, and ultimately return kidney patients to the workforce sooner. The bill is currently under consideration by the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee, with advocates urging swift passage to address the urgent need for organ donations in the state.