In January 1993, when her kidneys started to fail, her nephrologist told her she would be an excellent candidate for a kidney transplant. He also suggested possibly doing a pancreas transplant at the same time. For the five months following her decision to go ahead with the double transplant, Verrastro underwent numerous blood tests, a stress test for her heart, and a series of X-rays. With acceptable test results in, Verrastro was ready for the next phase of her quest. They also discussed Verrastro's financial resources.
Most insurance companies cover kidney transplant expenses.
A separate transplant insurance policy then available through my husband's employer covered everything. The insurance company paid for the screening tests, the surgery, the hospitalization, and all medications and postoperative clinic visits. Verrastro went on the transplant list in August 1993, about the same time she started hemodialysis for kidney failure. I thought I would have to wait a year or longer for a donor with the right match. Much to my surprise, the phone rang at midnight, just two months after I had been listed.