New partnership expands insurance support for people with sarcoidosis
Program offers free case management for insurance, disability, and finances
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The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is teaming up with the Patient Advocate Foundation to offer a new support program for people with sarcoidosis who need help navigating insurance, disability benefits, and other financial challenges.
“For far too long, patients living with sarcoidosis have had to navigate complex insurance systems and disability processes delaying access to diagnosis, screenings, medications prescribed by their clinicians, and financial support systems required to help them navigate their day-to-day in living with sarcoidosis,” Mary McGowan, president and CEO of FSR, said in a foundation press release.
“FSR’s collaboration with the Patient Advocate Foundation is a game-changer for our community.” She said the program will give the sarcoidosis community “access to unparalleled expertise in patient navigation and case management services.”
Partnership brings one-on-one support to patients
Fran Castellow, president of operations at the Patient Advocate Foundation, said, “We feel honored to be partnering with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research to offer our free, one-on-one case management support to patients living with sarcoidosis.”
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which granulomas, or small clusters of inflammatory cells, can form in one or more organs and interfere with how they work. While the disease most commonly affects the lungs, other parts of the body can also be affected, including the lymph nodes, which help support the immune system, as well as the skin, eyes, and heart.
FSR is a nonprofit dedicated to improving care for people with sarcoidosis and funding research into the rare disease. It already offers a range of services, including a provider directory that connects patients with clinicians experienced in treating sarcoidosis, educational resources, support groups, and information about patient assistance programs.
The Patient Advocate Foundation was founded in 1996 to help people with serious and chronic health conditions navigate access to care, insurance challenges, and financial hardship. Through the new partnership, the FSR-funded program for people with sarcoidosis will help patients work with commercial insurers and public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Program targets insurance, disability, and financial challenges
The new program, an extension of the FSR’s existing Information and Referral support program, will include help navigating insurance denials, prior authorizations, and appeals. It will also offer assistance with health insurance marketplace enrollment and disability applications and appeals. The foundation will provide additional resources for people facing more complex financial challenges.
“We know what a difference this type of support can make for patients as they navigate the real-life challenges they face related to their condition or diagnosis,” Castellow said. “Whether [it’s] insurance denials, accessing disability benefits, or addressing certain financial hardships impacting access to care, we’re here to walk alongside people living with sarcoidosis and provide the support they need.”
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