The HealthWell Foundation, an independent non-profit that provides a financial lifeline for inadequately insured Americans, has opened a new fund to provide copayment and premium assistance to eligible Medicare patients living with bladder or urothelial cancer. Through the fund, HealthWell will provide up to $5,000 in assistance to Medicare patients who have annual household incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. The new fund will assist these patients in accessing critical medications for treatment of their disease.
According to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder start to grow out of control. Most bladder cancers develop on the inner layer of the bladder. Some can grow into the deeper bladder layers. As cancer grows through these layers into the wall of the bladder, it becomes harder to treat. The lining of the bladder, where tumors initiate, is also found in the inner layers of the kidneys, ureters and urethra, so similar cancers can occur in these areas, and are known as urothelial cancer. This year, over 79,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer.
"As bladder cancer is one of the most expensive cancers to treat, the financial toxicity that can accompany this diagnosis is a source of concern for both the patient and their family. BCAN is pleased to see the HealthWell Foundation recognizes this need and can now provide critical financial assistance to a population that has otherwise been ignored," notes Andrea Maddox-Smith, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network CEO.
"Through the new fund, we are now able to offer Medicare patients living with bladder or urothelial cancer a financial lifeline to access critical, even life-saving, medical treatments," said Krista Zodet, HealthWell Foundation President. "Patients who are living with cancer endure many challenges in managing their disease and their care. Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, we are able to minimize some of the financial challenges so these patients don't need to worry about accessing and paying for prescribed treatments."
To determine eligibility and apply for financial assistance, visit HealthWell's Bladder and Urothelial Cancers Fund page. To learn how you can support this or other HealthWell programs, visit HealthWellFoundation.org.
About the HealthWell Foundation A nationally recognized, independent non-profit organization founded in 2003, the HealthWell Foundation has served as a safety net for more than 250,000 underinsured patients in more than 50 disease areas by providing access to life-changing medical treatments they otherwise would not be able to afford. HealthWell provides financial assistance to adults and children facing medical hardship resulting from gaps in their insurance that cause out-of-pocket medical expenses to escalate rapidly. HealthWell assists with the treatment-related cost-sharing obligations of these patients. For more information, visit www.HealthWellFoundation.org.
About the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) was founded in 2005 and is the only national advocacy organization devoted to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting those impacted by the disease.
BCAN is on the front-lines advocating for greater public awareness and increased funding for research to identify effective treatments and eventually, a cure for bladder cancer. Each year, BCAN provides thousands of patients, caregivers and the medical community with the educational resources and support services they need to navigate their bladder cancer journey. BCAN works collaboratively with the medical and research professionals who are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer and empowers the patient community by allowing them to share experiences with others, and to participate in building awareness of the need for a cure. For more information, visit www.bcan.org.
