Six Ways Patient Advocate Foundation Can Help You
Patient Advocate Foundation was born out of founder Nancy Davenport-Ennis’ mission to protect patients from simultaneously fighting their illness and their insurance company. Since then, the organization has expanded to help patients with additional healthcare access issues and other common barriers to care. From individualized case management services to co-payment relief programs, PAF offers patients and their caregivers an array of dedicated patient resources to help guide them through any healthcare roadblocks they may face.
1) Case Management – At the heart of Patient Advocate Foundation is the Case Management department. Case Managers (CMs) provide individualized support and guidance to patients and their caregivers by working with them directly to resolve their healthcare-related issues. CMs will negotiate pre-authorizations, appeals, and billing problems alongside the patient. They also work to assist in insurance education and enrollment, as well inform patients about their federal employee protections. PAF’s CMs are knowledgeable about the benefits of accessing emerging treatments and clinical trials, and can help screen patients for cutting-edge options that may further open their treatment options. Armed with national, state and local resources for patients, as well as appropriate financial relief opportunities, case managers provide patients with an advocate who works to reduce their healthcare burden allowing a greater focus on getting better. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our Case Management department today at 1 (800) 532-5274 or visit www.patientadvocate.org/gethelp.
2) Co-Pay Relief – One of the most common issues PAF patients experience is the crippling effects of medical debt. In 2004, the organization launched the Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program geared to provide direct financial assistance to insured patients who were having difficulty affording their medication prescribed by their physician. The CPR program offers diagnosis-specific grants to help patients pay for pharmaceutical products that treat their diagnosis. Since the program launched, PAF’s CPR fund has provided over $232 million in assistance to patients seeking treatment. To learn more about the program, eligibility and open funds, please visit www.copays.org/diseases.
3) Scholarship for Survivors – During PAF’s early years, Davenport-Ennis noticed countless recurring patients whose post-secondary education was impacted due to their illness. Despite their diagnosis, these students excelled academically, served the community, and demonstrated the drive and desire to attend college. The Scholarship for Survivors program was born to give those students a chance to attend higher education without the weight of financial burden on their shoulders. The program has provided over 60 individual patient scholarships totaling over $400,000, and continues to provide annual scholarships to students today. To learn more please visit, www.patientadvocate.org/scholarships.
4) Financial Aid Funds – Many times added healthcare expenses can strain a patient’s existing budget for household bills. This program provides extra financial support specifically for these household costs. Patients who meet the financial and medical
eligibility criteria may apply for grants, including funding for transportation. Grants are provided on first-come first served basis and are distributed until funds are depleted. Patients interested in applying for financial assistance should call toll free at 1 (855) 824-7941.
5) National Uninsured and Underinsured Resource Directory – The Uninsured and Underinsured Resource Directories are search tools providing patients with an array of preventive, emotional, financial, and survivorship programs geared to support their needs. With 35 categories of support to choose from, this search tool instantly identifies options that can assist. Also available as an app, patients, caregivers, and providers can access help on the go. Uninsured patients should visit www.patientadvocate.org/uninsured and underinsured patients should visit www.patientadvocate.org/underinsured to learn more about available community resources.
6) Patient Empowerment Series – PAF hosts a webinar series geared to educate and empower patients with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves in a healthcare situation. Topics covered include frequent patient roadblocks, such as constructing a letter for appeal and finding resources available for the uninsured.
