New hemolytic uremic syndrome disease fund opens
The PAN Foundation today opened a new financial assistance program for people living with hemolytic uremic syndrome. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare kidney condition that occurs when damaged red blood cells form clots.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome typically stems from severe bowel infections caused by certain strains of E. coli. It primarily affects the blood and blood vessels, can cause kidney failure, and in some cases, may affect other organs like the brain or heart. When left untreated, hemolytic uremic syndrome can result in numerous complications such as chronic kidney disease, stroke, and heart problems.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that this disease occurs in about two of every 100,000 children.
“This condition, which is often diagnosed in childhood, requires a lifetime of care and medication, and copays for the prescriptions alone can cost nearly $80,000 out of pocket,” said PAN President and CEO Kevin L. Hagan. “Thanks to the support of our donors we are proud to help patients, and in many cases their parents, pay for out-of-pocket treatment costs.”
Patients who qualify are eligible to receive $7,000 per year in financial assistance to pay for the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance costs associated with their treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Eligibility requirements
To get financial assistance for hemolytic uremic syndrome, patients must:
- Be getting treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Have health insurance that covers the qualifying medication or product.
- Have an income that falls at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
How to apply
Patients or caregivers applying on their behalf can apply for assistance using the PAN Foundation’s online patient portal. To apply on behalf of a patient, providers can use the provider portal, while pharmacists can use the pharmacy portal. A series of how-to guides are also available for the patient portal, including common tasks like creating an account and applying for assistance online.
Other patient support services at PAN
Transportation assistance
PAN grant recipients may also qualify for transportation assistance to allow them to get to doctor’s appointments and pharmacy visits.
Free application support for the federal Extra Help program
The Extra Help program—also known as the Low-Income Subsidy program—is administered by the Social Security Administration and was designed to assist people with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs.
Thousands of Medicare beneficiaries—many of whom are PAN grant recipients—may qualify for state or federal assistance from the program but don’t know that they are eligible. Patients can create or log in to their patient portal account to see if they are eligible for free application assistance from the Extra Help program.
About the PAN Foundation
The PAN Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
Since 2004, we have provided more than 1 million underinsured patients with $4 billion in financial assistance. Partnering with generous donors, healthcare providers, and pharmacies, we provide the underinsured population access to the healthcare treatments they need to best manage their conditions and focus on improving their quality of life. Learn more at panfoundation.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Liz Eckert, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: leckert@panfoundation.org