OLYMPIA — The 86,000 patients in Washington with kidney disease now have a greater hope of someday receiving a transplant—the only lifesaving treatment—under a bill signed into law today. “Organ donors who give the gift of new life to another person should not be punished by higher premiums for their health or life insurance,” said Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), the bill’s sponsor. SB 5003 makes it easier for people to donate a kidney or other organ by prohibiting insurance carriers from discriminating against living organ donors. Currently, discrimination in coverage and premiums by health, life, disability, or long-term care insurance companies can present a barrier for potential donors. There are 1,800 Washingtonians waiting for a transplant. Over the past decade, more ...
Read MoreAbout Sen. Keiser
President Pro Tempore; Chair of Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs Committee
Sen. Karen Keiser represents Washington state’s 33rd Legislative District, which includes a number of suburbs south of Seattle, including SeaTac, Kent, Des Moines and Burien. During her tenure as an elected official, she has held several leadership positions in the Washington State Legislature. Those positions include chairing the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee and serving as lead Senate Democratic negotiator on the Capital Budget. She currently serves as President Pro Tempore of the Washington State Senate, presiding over the chamber when the lieutenant governor is unavailable.
Read Sen. Keiser’s full biography here.
