Cystic Fibrosis Patient Assistance Foundation (CFPAF) Announces Over 200 Cystic Fibrosis Patients Enrolled
August 18, 2009
The Cystic Fibrosis Patient Assistance Foundation (CFPAF) announced in August 2009 that it has currently enrolled over 200 patients since its launch in October 2008. Dedicated to ensuring the best cystic fibrosis treatment possible, the CFPAF helps patients with cystic fibrosis who are unable to afford their insurance co-pays for certain high-cost cystic fibrosis medications.
“The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is at the forefront of developing new cystic fibrosis drugs that extend and improve the lives of people with cystic fibrosis. However, access to these essential therapies is increasingly a problem,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “To counter this problem, the Foundation is pleased that its new subsidiary, the CFPAF, can help patients find ways to afford the drugs and care they need.”
While 99 percent of people with cystic fibrosis have health insurance, more and more patients find their coverage is inadequate. The average annual cost for cystic fibrosis treatment is more than $40,000, and new research shows that in the last year:
One in four cystic fibrosis patients skipped doses of their medicine or purposefully took smaller doses because of cost.
And, nearly one in five have delayed seeking care for the same reason.
The CFPAF provides financial assistance for certain FDA-approved medications and medical devices for the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung disease.
“Although we focus on helping people with high out-of-pocket costs, many cystic fibrosis patients can benefit from calling the CFPAF” says Maria Thomas, the program’s manager. “Even if they don’t qualify to receive financial assistance from the CFPAF, we can help them to better understand their insurance coverage and reimbursement, and explain what benefits are available to them. Additionally, in March 2008, the CFPAF launched the Cystic Fibrosis Insurance Access Program (CFIAP). The CFIAP is designed to assist patients who are eligible for state and/or Federal programs, who also need support completing the required application documentation. In the current economic climate, the CFPAF is very proud to offer this service to the cystic fibrosis community”.
Cystic fibrosis patients can call the CFPAF and speak with case managers who can help determine if they are likely to qualify for enrollment in the program. For information, visit www.cfpaf.org or call (888) 315-4154.
