New York state lawmakers want the approval of a measure meant to boost kidney donations by creating an insurance fund meant to aid donors.

The bill, backed by Asssemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and state Sen. James Skoufis, is meant to boost kidney donations in the state, where there are more than 8,000 people waiting for a transplant.

“Those who choose to make a kidney donation can save lives. Unfortunately, each year thousands of people die while waiting to receive a kidney donation,” Santabarbara said. “This bill acknowledges that kidney donors make a choice to undergo surgery and risk complications to their own health to save others. With the health insurance coverage provided in this bill we can encourage more people to become kidney donors and save lives."

An estimated 13 Americans die daily while waiting for a kidney transplant. The measure is meant to encourage donations and relieve financial burdens for people who become donors.

The measure, first introduced in 2019, came as only 400 donors existed for the thousands of people in need of a kidney.

“In the intervening years our rate of donation hasn't gotten better, and lawmakers need to get creative to incentivize this incredibly taxing procedure," Skoufis said. "Ensuring those who are selfless enough to donate a kidney are provided with the peace of mind that they will never have to worry about health insurance again is the right move, and I look forward to working with Assemblyman Santabarbara to get this bill over the finish line."