Bill to bar discrimination of tissue donors passes House

A bill that aims to help prevent economic harm to living tissue donors was passed by the House 126-8 Tuesday.

HF1829 would prohibit life, long-term care and disability insurance providers from discriminating against organ or bone marrow donors. The carriers would not be allowed to cancel, refuse to offer, limit coverage, change the premium rating or otherwise discriminate due solely to a person’s status as a donor.

Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (DFL-St. Paul) sponsors the bill that holds special significance for her as someone who has had a kidney disease since she was 16 years old. She’s been able to manage with treatment every six months.

“I know even with management I will eventually need a transplant,” she said.  

She said donors shouldn’t suffer economic loss for helping save a person’s life. “We must protect our heroes,” she said.

Encouraging living organ and tissue donation will save lives and will also save the health care system money, she said.

The bill now moves to the Senate where Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) is the sponsor.