Transcript 08/12/09 - HealthWell Unveils New Website and Newsletter

July 2009 Quarterly e-News
WHAT’S NEW?
HealthWell Unveils New Website and Newsletter
Welcome to the new edition of the Pulse - we hope you like our new look! In
addition, we're excited to announce the launch of our new and improved website.
The site is easier to use and was redesigned with our network of patients, family
members, providers, advocates and partners in mind to help you access the
information you need. We added more comprehensive information about our
program, our process and how to apply for assistance. You'll also find up-to-date
announcements, media highlights, resources and information about how you can
help us spread the word and support our work. We invite you to take a closer look
by visiting us at www.healthwellfoundation.org.
HealthWell Launches New Fund for Brain Tumor Patients
In May, the HealthWell Foundation launched a new fund for Glioblastoma Multiforme
and Anaplastic Astrocytoma. These two conditions refer to advanced-stage brain
tumors known to penetrate the surrounding brain tissue. Surgical removal is not
usually an option with these types of tumors. Unfortunately, the average lifespan of
patients coping with these tumors is approximately one year. While the typical peak
incidence occurs between the ages of 45-70, Glioblastoma Multiforme and
Anaplastic Astrocytoma may also manifest themselves in children and younger
adults.
The National Brain Tumor Society is working with HealthWell to spread the word
about our newest fund and is actively referring patients over for assistance. "Each
year approximately 190,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a
primary or metastatic brain tumor," said Harriet Patterson, MPH, and Director of
Patient Services of the National Brain Tumor Society. "Enhancing the quality of life
for people with brain tumors requires access to quality specialty care, clinical trials,
follow-up care and rehabilitative services, and we fully support the HealthWell
Foundation in its desire to help minimize the financial strain on these patients in any
way that they can.“
As with our other funds, we appreciate the generous donations that allow us to help
patients access treatment instead of worrying about affording it.
HealthWell in the News
The HealthWell Foundation continues to be featured in media across the
country. Here are a few of the latest highlights:
The Star-Ledger - HealthWell Foundation board member David Knowlton discusses
the need for health care reform and resources that are available to underinsured
patients who need financial relief ("Expert looks at future of health care reform,"
06/26/09).
HealthWell Making a
Difference
In June, 2008, I had my yearly physical
and was in great health. Then I had a
mammogram and discovered things weren't
so great. I was diagnosed with breast
cancer. My husband, 80 years young, and
I had no doubt we could get through this
spiritually, mentally and physically, but
didn't know how we would manage
financially. We decided that if we had to
declare bankruptcy, so be it - but I would
get well. We laughed our way through the
bald head and fatigue - and the fact that he
was 80 years old living with a 72 year old
bald headed woman.
My surgery was a success, but the cancer
was aggressive and recurrence rate is
high. When I was ready to start chemo, we
met with the finance department and made
the first payment. When we went to make
the second, the finance manager thought
we might be able to get some help and sent
our paperwork to you. When I got my first
letter from HealthWell, I cried - then came
the second letter and I couldn't believe we
had been so blessed. I didn't know what we
had done to deserve the kindness of
HealthWell. Needless to say, it is almost a
year later and I am healthy once again. I
can't begin to thank HealthWell for all the
help we have received, not only with my
chemo, but now with my medication as I
enter the Medicare Gap. We have been
truly blessed and pray that HealthWell will
also be blessed.
Kay, Bedford, TX
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization working to reduce
barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-800-675-8416.
WHAT’S NEW? continued
HealthWell in the News
Specialty Pharmacy News - HealthWell Foundation board member David
Knowlton provides commentary on the rising costs of specialty drug prices and the
increasing cost concerns for patients who need them ("As specialty drug costs
continue to rise, patients are still filling scripts - for now" 06/01/09).
NewsRx .com - Information on the HealthWell Foundation's newest fund,
designed to help patients coping with aggressive brain tumors, is featured on this
health news website ("The HealthWell Foundation Launches New Fund for
Patients with Aggressive Brain Tumors." 05/13/09).
Just Cause Magazine - The HealthWell Foundation is profiled as being one of the
organizations doing its part to help combat the growing crisis of the underinsured
in this story on the ever-increasing costs associated with health insurance ("<>The
Doctor is in and Insurance is Out" 05/01/09).
DID YOU KNOW?
Tips and Tricks
Did you know that you are free to change the following at any time without affecting
your eligibility for assistance?
•the type of medication you are taking specifically for the medical condition listed in
HealthWell Making a
Difference
WOW! Your organization is awesome! I
received a heart transplant in 2001.
Through 2008, my job has always been
able to provide affordable insurance.
That changed in January 2009. The new
plan we were given had a HUGE
deductible attached to it. I was at a loss
as to how I was going to be able to pay
for my meds and keep a roof over my
head and food on the table for my
daughter and I. tried to get assistance
from a few places to no avail, and then
was referred to HealthWell by my doctor's
office. You all were so helpful and kind!
The application process was simple and
painless. The response was quick. I was
approved for the help I so desperately
needed. A huge burden and mountain of
stress was lifted from my shoulders when
I received the news HealthWell was going
to help me. I can't express in words the
depth of my gratitude. But for what it's
worth....Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Philip,
Missouri City, TX
your application
•your physician
•your pharmacy
___________________________
•any other of your providers
Fund Update
Due to high demand, we are unable to accept new applications at this time for our
Hodgkin's Disease, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Multiple Myeloma (MM)
funds. Please follow up periodically to check on the status of these funds. In the
meantime, please contact the following organizations for assistance:
• Hodgkin's Disease: National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD)
(866-924-0100)
• MDS: Patient Access Network Foundation (866-316-7263), the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society (877-557-2672), or the Chronic Disease Fund
(877-968-7233)
• MM: Patient Advocate Foundation (800-532-5274), the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society (877-557-2672), or the Chronic Disease Fund (877-968-7233)
There are no words to express how
grateful I am for the help you have given
me toward breast cancer treatment. After
finding out there was no generic form of
my medication, I felt my only alternative
was to take it every other day. Thank you
so much I can only promise to pass this kindness
on as I can.
If you would like to support our funding for any of these disease areas, please email
us at [email protected] or call our Development Office at 888-5087466.
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization working to reduce
barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-800-675-8416.
Mary,
Green Bay, WI
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR WORK
Spotlight on Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic, inflammatory arthritis. Ankylosis means "fusion" and spondylitis means
"inflammation of the spine". AS causes inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and in the joints
between the spine and pelvis. Chronic inflammation may lead to complete cementing of the vertebrae, which results in a
loss of spinal mobility. It is classified under the specialty of rheumatic disease, which refers to diseases affecting the joints
and connective tissue. AS specifically affects the spine, although other joints and organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs
and kidneys can be affected. The cause of AS is unknown but it is believed that genetics plays a key role. Approximately
129 out of 100,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with AS. There is no known cure for AS, but there are
treatments and medications available to reduce the symptoms and manage pain.
The HealthWell Foundation assists AS patients with their monthly insurance premiums or copayments for prescription
medications associated with the disease. To date, HealthWell has awarded over $1 million to patients with AS thanks to
the generous support of our donors. We invite you to help AS patients access the care they need by donating to
HealthWell Foundation today. Every donation counts!
Shop & Search Online
Support HealthWell Every Time you Search the Web
GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that gives back. Every time you search the Web with
GoodSearch.com, a penny will be donated to HealthWell! To begin searching, visit http://www.goodsearch.com/ and be
sure to enter the HealthWell Foundation as the charity you want to support. And please help spread the word!
Share Your Story
Has HealthWell made a positive difference in your life or in the lives of the patients you help? If so, we want to hear from
you! We invite you to share your HealthWell story by emailing us at [email protected] [please indicate if we
have your permission to share your story with others anonymously].
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization working to reduce
barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-800-675-8416.