Thousands of New Organ Donors Enrolled Through NY State of Health Marketplace

In just one week, 6,326 New Yorkers have consented to enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry via NY State of Health, New York's official health plan marketplace, as of April 27. Governor Cuomo announced this new registration option last week on Donate Life's Blue & Green Day, aimed at increasing organ donor registration across the country.

"People across New York have answered the call and made the selfless decision to become organ donors," Governor Cuomo said. "As National Donate Life Month comes to a close, I thank those who have signed up to potentially save lives and encourage those who have not yet done so to register today."

Governor Cuomo signed legislation last year requiring NY State of Health to add the organ donation component to its health insurance application. Individuals 16 years of age or older who are completing an application, renewing a plan, or making a life status change are now asked if they would like to be added to the NYS Donate Life Registry.

According to the federal Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, nearly 10,000 New Yorker are included on a list of more than 118,000 people nationwide currently waiting for an organ transplant. On average, 22 people die each day in the United States from causes that could have been treated with a donated organ. In addition, tissue donated by one person can positively impact the lives of more than 50 other people. 

In addition to registering through NY State of Health, New Yorkers can now enroll in the NYS Donate Life Registry through the following:

At the NYS Department of Health website– health.ny.gov

When applying for or renewing their drivers’ license and at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles website – dmv.ny.gov 

At the NYS Board of Elections website - elections.ny.gov 

When applying for a New York City Identification Card – nyc.gov

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "We’ve made it easier than ever for New Yorkers to show their care and generosity by offering the gift of life. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership millions of New Yorkers who purchase insurance through NY State of Health can now say “yes” to one of the most important decision of their lives, or someone else’s."

DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, "Governor Cuomo’s commitment to raising awareness about organ donation has led to thousands of new potential donors enrolling through the NY State of Health Marketplace. We salute New Yorkers who have chosen to give the gift of life and are proud to partner with the Governor and the Health Department to increase organ donations across New York."

Aisha Tator, Executive Director of the New York Alliance for Donation said, "Numerous surveys have been conducted showing that New Yorkers overwhelmingly support the concept of organ and tissue donation. We know from past efforts that in regards to organ and tissue donation, the more opportunities New Yorkers have to join the registry, the more who actually take action and register. The key is making the opportunities to register as an organ and tissue donor plentiful and simple. I commend the Governor, New York State Legislature, and New York State Department of Health for taking yet another bold step and making a difference in the lives of the nearly 10,000 New Yorkers currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant."

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo