The Assistance Fund aims to aid hypoparathyroidism patients
TAF launches program to help cover out-of-pocket medical costs
To help people with hypoparathyroidism in the U.S. who are facing out-of-pocket medical costs, The Assistance Fund (TAF) — a nonprofit launched in 2009 to aid individuals with a range of health conditions — has opened a program for patients and families living with the rare disease.
This new program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals. Funding from the program can be used to cover treatment-related copayments, health insurance premiums, deductibles, and other health-related expenses, according to the TAF website.
“For too many people living with rare diseases like hypoparathyroidism, the stress of unaffordable medical costs prevents them from focusing on their health and well-being,” Danielle Vizcaino, president and CEO of The Assistance Fund, said in a press release. “Thanks to our generous donors, TAF’s Hypoparathyroidism Financial Assistance Program will eliminate the financial obstacles that prevent patients from accessing the essential treatment they need.”
New TAF program open to US patients, families
Hypoparathyroidism most often is caused by damage to or the surgical removal of the parathyroid glands, which are small glands located in the neck. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which has a key role in regulating and maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphorus.
Treatment of hypoparathyroidism can be lifelong, as it’s typically needed on an ongoing basis to control PTH levels and restore normal calcium and phosphorus levels.
As with many rare diseases, living with hypoparathyroidism can be costly. According to a U.S. study released last year, overall costs in the first year after surgery averaged more than $15,000 for patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism, for six months or longer. For those with transient, or temporary, hypoparathyroidism, costs were slightly less than $3,000.
However, that study analyzed insurance claims only, so it did not account for factors such as how well each patient’s disease was being controlled or details on co-occurring health problems.
The Assistance Fund’s new Hypoparathyroidism Financial Assistance Program can be a great addition to help alleviate … many of the financial burdens associated with living with hypoparathyroidism.
Patty Keating, executive director of the Hypoparathyroidism Association, said the patient organization was “incredibly grateful to have a strong partner like TAF to stand with [hypoparathyroidism] patients and their families” and provide support.
“The Assistance Fund’s new Hypoparathyroidism Financial Assistance Program can be a great addition to help alleviate … many of the financial burdens associated with living with hypoparathyroidism,” Keating said.
More information on eligibility, and on the nonprofit’s other financial programs can be obtained by visiting TAF’s website, or by calling 844-933-5016 to speak with a patient advocate.
Nearly 100 diseases are covered by TAF, with each program covering all approved medications for that disorder. Since its establishment, the charity has helped more than 210,000 children and adults access the treatments they need to remain healthy or to manage their condition, according to the release.
About the Author
