As we mentioned in our post Oregon Reverses its Proposal on 24 Month Waiting Period for Transplant Coverage, NKF remains concerned about the potential for other discriminatory insurance benefit designs in various states that place limitations on access to medications, dialysis treatments and transplant coverage.  We recently learned that some insurance plans sold in Washington State have applied a 90 day waiting period for people who were not previously insured.  The Washington State Insurance Commissioner has condoned this policy, arguing that it is permissible under Federal law.

The National Kidney Foundation opposes this practice and believes any waiting period discriminates against individuals with organ failure and should not be permitted. Delaying coverage of organ transplants puts peoples’ lives at risk, increases the need for other healthcare services, such as dialysis, and shifts health care costs to the public sector.  If you are a Washington State resident concerned about this policy visit our Advocacy Action Center to email the Insurance Commissioner.