Living with a bleeding disorder can bring many stressors, including financial ones. Unexpected medical bills and missed days of work are just a few of the issues that can lead to mounting monetary stress. Listed below are some of the resources that may be available to help patients and caregivers to cope with financial stress associated with a bleeding disorder diagnosis. If you or your family is struggling, consider contacting the Center social worker at (585) 922-5700. The social worker can provide support and help to navigate the resources below, as well as explore additional helpful resources in your community.
- Colburn-Keenan Foundation: This foundation provides assistance and support to individuals and families impacted by chronic bleeding disorders, helping them to meet their urgent medical, health insurance, basic survival, and quality of life needs. Visit their website for more information on types of grants and to download a grant application.
- Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA), Helping Hands Program: The HFA Helping Hands Program is designed to establish a rapid, non-invasive source of relief for emergency situations or urgent needs to persons who are affected by hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Each year, Helping Hands aids hundreds of families with emergency/urgent funding to assist in crisis situations such as housing, transportation, and utility bills. In addition, the Helping Hands Program also offers reimbursement for purchase of necessary medical equipment associated with a patient’s bleeding disorder.
- Hemophilia Foundation of Upstate New York (HFUNY): HFUNY strives to ensure the quality of care and life for people affected by bleeding disorders via education and support. HFUNY’s Hemophilia Assistance Program (HAP) may provide financial assistance to patients and their families served by the Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center. Assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Center social worker in order to make a referral.
- NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds provides an online clearinghouse of information regarding most pharmaceutical programs that may assist uninsured patients to acquire free clotting factor. NeedyMeds also provides financial assistance with medical co-pays and deductibles associated with factor costs. If you are interested in exploring one of these programs, please contact the Center social worker who may be able to expedite the application process.
- Patient Services Incorporated (PSI): is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide assistance with health insurance premiums and co-pays for patients with expensive chronic illnesses, including hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease. In addition to financial assistance, PSI also provides counseling to patients and families regarding insurance issues and resources. Visit their website for more information on programs and to initiate an online application.
In addition, several pharmaceutical companies also offer patient assistance programs that may be able to help to alleviate the high costs associated with clotting factor copays and deductibles. Many companies also have factor-assistance programs to help patients who have temporarily lost health insurance coverage. Please contact the Center social worker directly in order to explore one of these resources.
