State Cuts Transplant Hole

At least two Washington residents faced a second waiting period in 2008 because of an employer decision to change health plans, officials say.

The new state law eliminates the risk that transplant candidates will face two waiting periods by applying the same standards to both pre-existing condition waiting periods and to transplant waiting periods.

If a transplant candidate has less than a 90-day break in health coverage, the amount of time spent waiting for a transplant under the old health plan must carry over to the new health plan, officials say.