#United States #Germantown #HealthWell Foundation #Bronchiectasis Fund #Elisha Malanga

HealthWell Foundation Opens New Fund for Bronchiectasis Patients

The HealthWell Foundation®, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to aiding underinsured Americans, has announced a new initiative aimed specifically at supporting individuals navigating the challenges of bronchiectasis. This novel fund offers financial assistance of up to $12,000 toward copayments for medications or insurance premiums under Medicare Part B for qualifying patients. This initiative targets those with annual household incomes that do not exceed 500 percent of the federal poverty level, making healthcare more accessible for those in need.

Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition, occurs when the airways become injured or infected, preventing the proper clearance of mucus. This accumulation can lead to severe lung infections, significantly compromising respiratory health. Symptoms often remain dormant for months or years, causing a delayed diagnosis and treatment. Patients may also experience related health issues such as nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Elisha Malanga, the Executive Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, emphasized the importance of treatment adherence in managing this disease. "Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition that requires proper treatment and management to help prevent lung infections and flare-ups. For some people living with the disease, treatments may be cost prohibitive, and many patients may go without simply because they cannot afford them," said Malanga. This statement underscores the urgency of the HealthWell Foundation’s latest fund in providing necessary support to affected individuals.

Michael S. Heimall, President and CEO of the HealthWell Foundation, expressed optimism regarding the impact of the new fund. He stated, "We are excited about the launch of this fund and to be able to bring financial relief to people living with bronchiectasis. Management of this disease can require multiple medications and treatments, many of which can present a financial challenge patients cannot endure. Mitigating those financial obstacles will allow patients to focus on treating their condition, not how they will pay for it."

The HealthWell Foundation, established in 2003, has already established a strong reputation for helping patients in over 90 disease areas, reportedly delivering over $4.8 billion in financial support through more than 1.8 million grants. The foundation's commitment is evident, ranking 24th on the prestigious 2024 Forbes list of America's Top 100 Charities, recognized for its efficient fundraising and dedication to patient care. Their efforts aim to ensure no individual suffers due to financial constraints when accessing essential healthcare services.

In light of the challenges presented by bronchiectasis, the HealthWell Foundation’s newly introduced fund is a welcome addition to the spectrum of resources available to patients. It emphasizes the critical need for ongoing support to enhance the quality of life for individuals battling this condition.

For those interested in learning more about the specifics of the fund and how it can provide much-needed assistance, details are available on the HealthWell Foundation’s website. This initiative not only raises awareness about bronchiectasis but also highlights the importance of financial resources in achieving proper treatment and management goals for chronic conditions.

For more information about the fund and the critical work of the HealthWell Foundation, please visit HealthWellFoundation.org. The organization continually strives to alleviate the burden of medical expenses, ensuring patients can focus on what truly matters—their health and well-being.