Patient Support Resources
Organizations, financial assistance programs, travel support, and peer communities for transplant patients and their families.
National Organizations
National Kidney Foundation
Education, advocacy, and support for kidney disease patients, including transplant recipients and living donors.
Visit kidney.orgAmerican Liver Foundation
Resources, support groups, and education for patients with liver disease and liver transplant recipients.
Visit liverfoundation.orgAmerican Lung Association
Lung health information, advocacy, and patient programs including support for lung transplant candidates.
Visit lung.orgAmerican Heart Association
Heart and cardiovascular health resources, research funding, and patient support for heart transplant recipients.
Visit heart.orgTransplant Recipients International Organization
Peer support, advocacy, and educational resources run by and for transplant recipients and donor families.
Visit trioweb.orgFinancial Assistance
National Living Donor Assistance Center
Reimbursement for travel, lodging, meals, and lost wages for living organ donors to reduce financial barriers to donation.
Visit livingdonorassistance.orgHealthWell Foundation
Financial assistance for underinsured patients to cover copays, premiums, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses including transplant medications.
Visit healthwellfoundation.orgPatient Advocate Foundation
Case management, insurance appeals assistance, and copay relief for patients navigating complex healthcare coverage issues.
Visit patientadvocate.orgHelp Hope Live
Community-based fundraising for transplant-related expenses including surgery, medications, and travel. Provides fiscal sponsorship for tax-deductible donations.
Visit helphopelive.orgTravel & Lodging
National Patient Travel Center
Arranges free or discounted air travel for patients who need to travel long distances for medical treatment, including transplant evaluation and surgery.
Visit patienttravel.orgJoe's House
Online resource for finding affordable lodging near hospitals and treatment centers for cancer and transplant patients and their families.
Visit joeshouse.orgRonald McDonald House Charities
Free or low-cost housing near hospitals for families of children receiving medical treatment, including pediatric transplant patients.
Visit rmhc.orgPeer Support
Transplant Living
UNOS patient-facing website with information about life before, during, and after transplant, including personal stories from recipients and donor families.
Visit transplantliving.orgReddit r/transplant
Active online community where transplant patients, donors, and caregivers share experiences, ask questions, and offer peer support.
Visit reddit.com/r/transplantWant to give back? Learn how to volunteer with transplant organizations.
Caregiver & Family Resources Support
Practical guidance for family members and caregivers supporting a transplant patient through every phase of the journey.
Before Transplant
Help your loved one research centers, attend evaluation appointments, and understand the process. Prepare for the emotional and logistical challenges ahead. Consider joining a caregiver support group early.
Travel & Logistics
If transplanting away from home, plan housing near the center. Organizations like Joe's House and Ronald McDonald House offer affordable lodging. Keep a go-bag ready for sudden organ calls.
Work & Financial Planning
Caregivers may qualify for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. Some states offer paid family leave. Contact your HR department early to understand your options.
Post-Transplant Care
After surgery, your role is critical: help manage medication schedules, drive to clinic visits, monitor for signs of rejection, and ensure a clean home environment. This phase typically lasts 3-6 months of intensive support.
Caregiver Burnout
Caring for a transplant patient is emotionally exhausting. Recognize signs of burnout (fatigue, irritability, withdrawal) and seek help. Resources include the Caregiver Action Network (1-855-227-3640) and local support groups.
Learn about the transplant process on our Education page, or track your journey with our Checklist.
Insurance & Coverage Financial
Understanding how insurance covers transplant can reduce financial stress and help you choose the right center.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare covers kidney transplant for patients with ESRD regardless of age. Parts A and B cover the surgery, hospital stay, and doctor visits. Part B covers immunosuppressant drugs (with 20% copay). Medicare coverage for non-kidney organs depends on your age and disability status.
Medicaid
Medicaid covers transplants in all states, but coverage details vary by state. Some states have broader coverage than others. Your transplant center's financial coordinator can help determine your Medicaid benefits.
Private Insurance
Most private health insurance plans cover organ transplants, but check your plan for: which centers are in-network, prior authorization requirements, annual and lifetime maximums, and immunosuppressant drug coverage.
Out-of-State Transplant
If you list at an out-of-state center, verify that your insurance covers out-of-network transplant services. Some insurers designate "Centers of Excellence" and may cover out-of-network care there. Your transplant financial coordinator can negotiate with your insurer.
Prescription Drug Costs
Immunosuppressants can cost $1,000-$3,000/month without insurance. Programs that can help: manufacturer copay assistance programs, Medicare Part D Extra Help, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, and the Patient Advocate Foundation copay relief program.
Need help with fundraising? See our fundraising guide. For financial assistance programs, scroll up to Financial Assistance.