HealthWell Foundation Launches Fund for Parkinson's Disease Patients
Copayment or Insurance Premium Assistance Available to Medicare Beneficiaries
The HealthWell Foundation, an independent non-profit charitable organization focused on supporting underinsured individuals, has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping those living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This new fund provides up to $4,000 in assistance for medication copayments or Medicare Part B premiums specifically for prescription drugs and biologics tailored to treat Parkinson's disease. The initiative is designed for Medicare patients whose household incomes do not exceed 500 percent of the federal poverty level.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts motor control, leading to tremors, difficulty moving, and various non-motor symptoms including anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. The nature of PD leads to symptoms that progress at varying rates among individuals, making it a particularly challenging condition. In the United States, it ranks as the 14th leading cause of death and is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's, affecting an estimated one million individuals with nearly 90,000 new diagnoses annually. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.
John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, highlighted the financial burdens associated with treating PD. "Managing Parkinson's disease often requires costly treatments that can be out of reach for many Medicare recipients. Being unable to adhere to a treatment plan due to financial constraints can lead to severe setbacks. We commend the HealthWell Foundation for its commitment to alleviating the financial pressures that PD patients face during their treatment journeys and for emphasizing the critical importance of medication adherence.”
Michael S. Heimall, President & CEO of HealthWell Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm over launching this targeted fund, stating, "Our previous efforts through the Movement Disorders Fund allowed us to support Medicare patients with Parkinson's, but this dedicated fund helps us extend our reach even further. We aim to provide access to life-altering medications that enhance the quality of life for individuals living with this disease. Many patients, particularly those relying on Medicare, find treatment costs to be exorbitant. We are grateful to our donors who understand the hardships faced by those living with PD, and we are proud to assist them in receiving the necessary treatments without the constant anxiety of financial constraints."
For those interested in applying for assistance or determining their eligibility, the HealthWell Foundation has created a dedicated page for the Parkinson's Disease – Medicare Access Fund. Applications will be processed during specific hours from Monday to Friday, ensuring that those in need are accommodated swiftly. To explore more about HealthWell's extensive programs and diverse disease fund portfolio, you can visit their official site.
About Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with Parkinson's disease through innovative care strategies and advancing research toward finding a cure. With a strong foundation built on community engagement since 1957, they've invested over $474 million into research and clinical care aimed at improving patient experiences. They encourage connections and resources through their website.
About HealthWell Foundation
Founded in 2003, the HealthWell Foundation is a nationally recognized non-profit that serves as a vital resource in the fight against underinsurance across various diseases. Having supported more than 1.1 million patients, the foundation has provided upwards of $4.8 billion in financial assistance via its extensive program offerings. This has allowed patients to access essential treatments that might otherwise be financially unattainable. Ranked among America's Top 100 Charities for its exemplary fundraising efficiency, HealthWell continues to serve as a crucial ally to those facing medical hardships.
CONTACT:
For inquiries, please reach out to Ginny Dunn at 240-632-5309.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the new fund launched by HealthWell Foundation?
The fund aims to assist individuals living with Parkinson's disease by providing financial support for medication copayments and Medicare Part B premiums.
2. Who is eligible for this financial assistance?
Eligible individuals are those with a household income of up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level and are Medicare beneficiaries.
3. How much financial assistance can patients receive?
Patients can receive up to $4,000 in financial support through this fund.
4. Why is adherence to medication important for Parkinson's patients?
Adherence to medication is crucial as missing doses can lead to severe health setbacks and affect the overall quality of life.
5. How can individuals apply for assistance from the HealthWell Foundation?
Individuals can apply for assistance by visiting the HealthWell Foundation website dedicated to the Parkinson's Disease – Medicare Access Fund.
