How Much Can You Make Donating Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow donation is a life-saving medical procedure offering hope to patients with life-threatening blood cancers and other diseases. Potential donors often have questions about the financial implications. This article explores the distinctions between direct payment and reimbursement, details allowable expenses, discusses financial assistance programs, and offers insight into the overall financial relief provided to donors.

Direct Payment Versus Reimbursement

The National Organ Transplantation Act (NOTA) of 1984 makes it illegal to buy or sell human organs and tissues, including bone marrow, in the United States. This federal law prevents a market-driven approach to human tissue donation, upholding the dignity of both donor and recipient. While direct payment for bone marrow is prohibited, donors are not expected to incur out-of-pocket costs related to the donation process.

Instead, financial reimbursement for specific expenses incurred during the donation process is permitted. This means donors are “made whole” for costs they would not otherwise have, rather than “making money” from their donation. The goal is to remove financial barriers that might discourage individuals from donating, ensuring altruism remains the primary motivation.

Allowable Expenses and Support

Donors receive reimbursement or support for expenses directly related to the donation, ensuring the act does not create a financial burden. Travel expenses are a category, encompassing flights, mileage for personal vehicle use, and ground transportation.

For travel by personal vehicle, reimbursement aligns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard medical mileage rate, which is 21 cents per mile as of 2025. Accommodation costs, such as hotel stays, are also covered if overnight travel is necessary. Meals and incidental expenses are reimbursed through a per diem allowance, which varies by location but generally follows federal guidelines. Childcare and eldercare expenses incurred due to the donation are also eligible for reimbursement.

Many programs provide reimbursement for lost wages due to time taken off work for the donation, including medical evaluations, the procedure, and recovery. While the exact amount varies, some programs may offer up to $2,000 per week. Typical lost wage reimbursement is often based on an average hourly wage, such as $28.01 per hour. Some states also have laws requiring employers to provide paid or unpaid leave for bone marrow donation, further reducing financial impact.

Donor Financial Assistance Programs

Financial support for bone marrow donors is primarily managed by non-profit organizations, such as the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), also known as Be The Match, and other donor registries like DKMS. These organizations facilitate the donation process and address financial barriers.

These programs cover all medical costs associated with the donation procedure, ensuring the donor’s insurance is not billed. Financial assistance also extends to non-medical costs, including travel, accommodation, and lost wages. A donor coordinator usually assists with understanding and applying for eligible reimbursements.

The objective of these programs is to remove financial disincentives, allowing individuals to focus on the life-saving act of donation without worrying about personal expense. Reimbursements are provided directly to the donor or through prepaid cards, ensuring timely access to funds. This comprehensive support system helps maintain the altruistic nature of donation while acknowledging donors’ practical needs.

Estimating Financial Relief

Since direct payment for bone marrow is prohibited by federal law, the financial benefit to a donor comes entirely from the relief of potential expenses. The “how much” question is best understood as the total financial burden alleviated rather than income generated. This relief encompasses all covered medical and non-medical costs associated with the donation process.

For a donor, the combined value of reimbursements for travel, lodging, meals, and lost wages can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This depends on specifics like travel distance and duration of time off work. This financial relief prevents donors from incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses that could otherwise be a deterrent. The primary aim of this financial support is to ensure the noble act of donation is not hampered by unforeseen costs.