Who does NFT help?
NFT assists patients who:
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Are in need of an organ or bone marrow transplant, (to take place in the U.S.) or have already received a transplant, and |
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live in the U.S. legally (including on medical visas) and |
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have financial needs as a result of significant transplant-related costs not covered by private insurance or public assistance |
How can a patient request assistance?
The first step is to call NFT at (800)489-3863 and ask to speak with our patient referral counselor. They can discuss your needs and NFT’s services, and can send you a packet of information including a patient Questionnaire and Agreement and other information you will need to begin the process. A patient may request support after all of the following steps have been completed:
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NFT receives the patient’s completed and signed Questionnaire and Agreement. |
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NFT reviews the patient’s insurance status and financial needs. |
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NFT receives a letter from the patient’s physician verifying the need for an organ or tissue transplant in the U.S. |
How does NFT help?
If a patient turning to NFT has emergency needs, NFT may be able to provide immediate, limited assistance through Celebrate Life grants (depending on the patient’s financial and medical needs and availability of funds).
A patient with recurring or long-term needs can receive help through NFT’s restricted state funds. NFT sets up a fund raising campaign in the patient’s community, in support of an NFT state/organ or tissue fund. Of the money raised in these community drives, 95% goes to the appropriate state fund to pay for transplant-related costs not covered by insurance. Only 5 % is retained to cover NFT campaign costs.
NFT provides campaign volunteers with the training, guidance and materials they need to succeed. The money raised enables NFT to pay for treatments, medicines and other costs essential to transplant health.
How much does an organ transplant cost?
The cost of organ transplants varies greatly, not only with the type of transplant, but with the hospital where the procedure occurs. In addition, costs will climb greatly if the patient develops complications resulting in longer hospital stays. The costs below are broad averages for costs of various types of transplants, based on NFT’s experiences of working with patients all over the country. These costs are only for typical hospital and physician fees. They do not include any pre-transplant or follow-up treatments.
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Heart: $650,000 |
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Lung: $400,000 |
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Double Lung: $550,000 |
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Heart/Lung: $875,000 |
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Liver: $520,000 |
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Kidney: $250,000 |
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Pancreas: $300,000 |
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Kidney/Pancreas: $370,000 |
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Kidney/Heart: $760,000 |
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Liver/Kidney: $660,000 |
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Intestine: $900,000 |
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Bone Marrow (autologous): $270,000 |
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Bone Marrow (allogeneic related): $480,000 |
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Bone Marrow (allogeneic unrelated): $600,000 |
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Cornea: $23,300 |
What are some of the other major costs faced by transplant candidates and recipients?
Some of the other major costs include pre-transplant evaluations, dental work required before transplant, treatment of the underlying disease while waiting to be transplanted, donor matching (particularly for bone marrow transplants), travel, food and lodging costs for the patient and a care-giver leading up to and following the transplant (when the transplant takes place in another city), post transplant follow-up and treatment, the essential anti-rejections medications which organ recipients must take every day for the rest of their lives, and treatment for problems caused as a result of side effects from these medications.
How does a gift to NFT, designated to a particular state fund, differ from a general gift to NFT or to Celebrate Life?
Gifts to NFT state funds are restricted for paying transplant-related costs for patients with specific kinds of transplants in that specific state. Checks for these donations should be made payable to National Foundation for Transplants, with the appropriate “State Organ /Tissue Fund” written on the memo line. Gifts to Celebrate Life, or gifts simply made out to NFT with no other notation are unrestricted gifts which enable us to provide support to patients where the need is greatest.
Are all donations to NFT tax-deductible?
Yes, providing the donation is one where no service or product of value is expected or received in exchange for the contribution. When an individual makes a contribution in exchange for a product or service (such as dinner at a charitable fund raiser, or green fees at a charity golf event), only the portion of the contribution that exceeds the fair market value of the product or service received in exchange for the contribution is tax-deductible.
If I choose to contribute to NFT, can I be assured that my information is secure?
National Foundation for Transplants uses a secured socket layer provided by Thawte, which ensures information is safe from hackers.
Does NFT thank all contributors for their gifts?
NFT sends a personalized thank-you letter to all those who contribute (and who do not receive any product or service in exchange for their contribution.) The letter confirms that the donation is tax-deductible.
How can I get more information about NFT?
Please contact us by email or call us toll-free at (800) 489-3863, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Central Time.
Do you have other questions?
Click here to fill out an online form. If your question is more complex, please call NFT toll-free at (800) 489-3863. Those calling from within the (901) area code can call 684-1697.
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