COVID-19 Financial Advocacy Resources

• AbbVie Patient Assistance Update

  Eligible patients prescribed AbbVie medicines may be able to receive their prescribed medicine free through the myAbbVie Assist patient assistance program. If patients are experiencing a financial hardship, such as a job loss, that isn’t reflected in their tax return, please include this in a letter attached to the application. 

• Amgen Safety Net Foundation Update  
  To support newly uninsured, qualifying patients in need, the Amgen Safety Net Foundation is providing temporary enrollment to patients who meet income requirements.  To apply for this temporary assistance, select the prescribed medication from the list on its website to download the relevant application. 

• Astellas Pharma Support Solutions Update
  Astellas has made the patient assistance program application and verification process easily accessible for patients who have lost their jobs or insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19. It has also increased customer service capacity in light of the influx of patients requiring assistance.

  To learn more about the resources Astellas has available for patients who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, call its support line at 800.477.6472 or visit Astellas Pharma Support Solutions.

• AstraZeneca Access 360 Update 
  AstraZeneca is committed to providing resources for patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare professionals caring for them during these uncertain times. If you have questions about insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and patient assistance programs, visit the Access 360 website. 

• Bayer Healthcare Support During COVID-19  
  In light of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Bayer U.S. Patient Assistance Foundation free drug program is doing everything to ensure patients’ prescribed medicine gets to them timely and safely. For any further questions about its efforts, call 1.866.228.7723. 

• Bristol Myers Squibb Program Update
  Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has expanded its existing patient support programs to help eligible, unemployed patients in the United States who have lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All BMS patient support programs, including additional eligibility requirements, can be reached by calling 800.721.8909 or by visiting Bristol Myers Squibb.  

• Eisai Patient Assistance Program Update
  If a patient has experienced loss of healthcare benefits as a result of COVID-19, they may be eligible to benefit from a temporary expansion of Eisai’s patient assistance programs. Eisai has modified its patient assistance program eligibility criteria temporarily in order to provide support during this crisis to those who qualify.  
   
  Visit Eisai Reimbursement for additional eligibility requirements and program details. 

• Genentech Patient Support during COVID-19
  If patients need help paying for their Genentech medicine(s) or if their insurance or financial situation has changed due to the impact of COVID-19, existing support programs are in place to help patients get the medicines they need, including the Genentech Access Solutions program, Genentech Patient Foundation, and available co-pay services. To learn more, contact the Genentech Patient Resource Center at 1.877.436.3683 or visit its website to learn about the available services. 

• Janssen CarePath COVID-19 Resources 

  Janssen CarePath remains fully prepared to meet additional patient needs brought on by the current economic situation and is the first place patients should go to learn about their options for support. To learn more, visit Janssen CarePath. 

• Jazz Pharmaceuticals Support During COVID-19 
  Jazz Pharmaceuticals knows patients may have questions and concerns about their prescribed medicines. For help, call the JazzCares patient support hotline at 1.833.533.5299, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. 

• Lilly Oncology Support during COVID-19
  If the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your patients’ ability to afford or access their Lilly medicine, contact Lilly Oncology via these options.

• Merck Patient Assistance Program Update
  Merck is taking steps to support patients in the United States who may have lost their jobs and insurance coverage due to the pandemic. It will continue to ensure access to Merck medicines at no cost for eligible U.S. patients through the Merck Patient Assistance Program. 

  To learn more about the resources Merck has available for patients who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, call 1.800.672.6372 or visit its website. 

• Novartis Patient Support During COVID-19 

  Novartis understands the concern and uncertainty that healthcare professionals and patients may be facing surrounding the pandemic and is committed to continuing to meet their needs as circumstances evolve.  
  

  
  

  Patient Assistance Now Oncology (PANO) is your first stop for information about Novartis Oncology Patient Support services. Dedicated support specialists help direct callers to the services that best fit their needs. To learn more, call 800.282.7630 or visit its website. 

• Pfizer Patient Assistance Program Update
  Pfizer has temporarily adapted some elements of the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program to accommodate the evolving needs of the patients it serves and ensures they will gain access to their medicines without interruption. To date, upon request, Pfizer has responded by increasing patient supply during the quarantine, where possible, approved telehealth prescribing, and more. For help with accessing a physician-prescribed Pfizer medicine, contact Pfizer RxPathways at 1.844.989.7284. 
   
  Please note that all changes are temporary and upon request only. These changes apply only to patients in the United States and its territories and require a valid prescription. 

• Sanofi Genzyme 
  Sanofi CareASSIST recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic may impact some patients’ ability to afford or access their medicines. To speak with a patient access specialist for further assistance, call 1.833.930.2273. 

• Blue Hope Treatment Awards
  The Colorectal Cancer Alliance may be able to help eligible patients receive a one-time $200 check to help with daily expenses that add to the burden during treatment, such as household bills, childcare, transportation costs, or food. For more information and to apply for assistance, visit its website. 

• CancerCare Financial Assistance
  CancerCare offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs, such as transportation and childcare, and its oncology social workers can help you find resources. Learn more about CancerCare’s Financial Assistance Program and its Co-Payment Assistance Foundation. 

• Family Reach
  If eligible, Family Reach can provide a grant to cover non-medical, everyday living expenses, such as mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. For all eligibility requirements, visit its website.

• Findhelp.org
  Findhelp.org allows you to search for local resources or financial support available in your community, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic, by searching your ZIP code, city, or keyword.  

• Good Days COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund 
  The Good Days COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund is closed to new patient applications. To find other Good Days programs visit its Our Program page or call 877.968.7233. 

• HealthWell Foundation Ancillary Costs
  This fund is temporarily closed to new patients due to lack of sufficient funding. Continue to visit its Disease Funds page, as replenished funds reopen as quickly as possible. 

• HealthWell Foundation COVID-19 Insurance Premium Payment Assistance 
  This fund is closed to new patient applications. Visit the HealthWell Disease Funds page to learn of other programs open for enrollment. 

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society COVID-19 Assistance Program
  This fund is fully subscribed and closed to enrollment. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recognizes the unique concerns of patients with blood cancer and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is amplifying its efforts to provide them with information and support.  

• Lymphoma Research Foundation COVID-19 Financial Assistance Grant
  The Lymphoma Research Foundation's COVID-19 related financial assistance provides limited financial assistance for people with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in active treatment to help with costs including food, transportation, lodging or housing, utilities, childcare, and/or devices (e.g., canes, wheelchairs, ramps, air filters).  
   
  Please note that these funds cannot support co-pays and/or coinsurance, insurance premiums, and direct costs of medicine. 

• National Organization for Rare Disorders COVID-19 Programs 
  The National Organization for Rare Disorders has provided assistance programs to help patients obtain lifesaving or life-sustaining medication they could not otherwise afford. These programs provide medication, financial assistance with insurance premiums and co-pays, diagnostic testing assistance, and travel assistance for clinical trials or consultation with disease specialists. Currently, two COVID-19 related relief programs are available, the COVID-19 Critical Relief Program and the Premium & Medical Relief Program. To apply, visit the NORD website for each program’s contact information. 

• PAN Foundation Financial Support Fund  
  To help affected patients cope with unprecedented financial stress relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation is offering direct assistance of $300 on a pre-paid debit card for individuals who have been diagnosed with or negatively impacted by COVID-19. Eligible patients can use the financial support for treatment expenses for COVID-19, over-the-counter and prescription medications, medical equipment and supplies, and groceries and meals, including delivery services. 

  Program Status: PAN Foundation is not currently accepting applications for new or renewal patients. To sign up for the wait list, call 1.866.316.7263, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. 

• Patient Advocate Foundation COVID Care
  Through COVID Care, Patient Advocate Foundation case managers provide patients diagnosed with a chronic, life-threatening, and debilitating disease who are impacted by COVID-19 and those hospitalized for COVID-19 with timely and relevant information and education to questions and concerns they and their caregivers have about accessing and paying for care, managing basic cost of living needs, like food, rent and mortgage, utilities, insurance, and necessary transportation costs that have become difficult to manage due to the pandemic. 
  

  Patients can access COVID Care by completing a secure online intake or by calling 1.800.532.5274 during business hours to speak to a case manager.

• Patient Advocate Foundation COVID-19 Co-Pay Relief
  The COVID-19 Co-Pay Relief Program Fund helps provide assistance to patients for co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles for medications and office visits, over-the-counter medications, and medical insurance premiums. Patients that meet eligibility requirements may receive a maximum award of $3,000. To review the specific eligibility criteria and to apply, visit its website. 

• Rx Outreach Enrollment Expansion
  Rx Outreach is temporarily expanding the guidelines on its medication program to assist individuals and families who are facing severe financial hardships because of COVID-19. Rx Outreach is the nation's largest, nonprofit, fully licensed, mail-order pharmacy. 

• Team Rubicon Emergency Food Assistance
  The COVID-19 Emergency Food Assistance Program is closed due to a lack of sufficient funding to cover additional requests. Team Rubicon remains committed to this critical lifeline and will continue to seek funds specific to supporting food security operations. 

• The Assistance Fund COVID-19 Health Insurance Assistance Program 
  In response to the unprecedented national crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, The Assistance Fund has a health insurance assistance program for eligible individuals who have experienced a disruption in their coverage due to the pandemic. To be eligible, patients must be actively enrolled or have been enrolled in a The Assistance Fund co-pay program in 2020 or 2021. For all other eligibility criteria and to apply online, visit its website. 

• Tigerlily Foundation Funds for Families COVID-19 Relief Program
  The Tigerlily Foundation Funds for Families COVID-19 Relief Program offers financial grants to patients with breast cancer. The program provides financial assistance to families based on need. Financial assistance is limited to a one-time grant of between $250 to $500 per applicant. 

  To be eligible and in line with the program’s mission statement, patients must be 45 years old or younger at time of diagnosis. Find directions on how to apply for financial assistance on its website. 

• Medicaid Emergency Authority Tracker: Approved State Actions to Address COVID-19  This page aggregates tracking information on approved Medicaid emergency authorities to address the COVID-19 Coronavirus emergency.  
• On April 24, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PL 116-139) was signed into law. HHS announced distribution of additional funding provided by this legislation (also know as COVID 3.0) through the Provider Relief Fund. These payments do not need to be repaid.  Learn more
• On April 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the immediate start to distribution of $30 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response. Details here. 
• Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19. This fact sheet explains coverage under original Medicare, also included is information on Medicare Advantage and Part D.
• Coverage for COVID-19 Tests
  CMS fact sheet on coverage for COVID-19 tests. 
• CMS COVID-19 FAQs for Essential Health Benefits - Read the FAQs here. 
• Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief related to COVID-19.

Medicaid Coverage & Payment

• CMS State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit (COVID-19 version) policy considerations for states expanding use of telehealth. CMS general Telehealth Medicaid Guidance guidance here.
• Coverage and Benefits Related to COVID-19 Medicaid and CHIP CMS fact sheet.

Telehealth Coverage

• HHS HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration) Telehealth website includes patient education on telehealth and how to use it effectively and a provider section with links to information on getting started, policy changes during COVID-19, and workflow planning.

Expansion of Telehealth

On April 29, 2020, CMS announced additional sweeping changes to further expand telehealth coverage in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Learn more.

CMS has expanded telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries under the 1135 waiver authority and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. Additionally, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is providing flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs. Read CMS fact sheet. Read CMS Medicare Telehealth FAQs. 

Health insurers have made changes in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. 

• State Action Related to COVID-19 Coverage of Critical Services by Private Insurers -  This map summarizes the actions of states that are requiring or recommending insurers to expand their coverage of key services beyond the minimum federal standard or existing state standard. 
• Commonwealth Fund State Action on COVID-19 Coverage of Critical Services by Private Insurers

Find quick links to more details below.

Anthem

• Anthem Coronavirus resource center
• Anthem waives cost-share for COVID treatment

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
  Interactive map showing local BCBS information
• BCBS press release on coverage for COVID-19 testing (3/6/20)
• BCBS press release on coverage for telehealth during COVID-19 (3/19/20)

Cigna

• Cigna statement waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment (3/30/20)
• Cigna Coronavirus Resource Center 

Humana

• Humana FAQs about Coronavirus Coverage
• Humana Temporarily Expands Telehealth Coverage

CVS Health/Aetna

• For Aetna Providers: What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• For Aetna members (consumers): What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus
• CVS Health COVID-19 Resource Center
• CVS Health information on what CVS Health is doing to support Aetna members Caremark clients, and CVS pharmacy customers.

UnitedHealthcare

• UnitedHealthcare (3/31/20) Latest updates on COVID-19
  UnitedHealthcare announced March 31 waiving member cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19 through May 31, 2020, for its fully-insured Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans. Starting March 31 until June 18, 2020, UHC will waive cost-sharing for in-network non-COVID-19 telehealth visits for its Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and fully-insured individual and Group market health plans.
• UHC COVID-19 updates and resources for providers

• Triage Cancer: Resources by State

  This page has information specific to each state, including contact information for federal and state agencies, and some key information about laws and consumer protections.

• Triage Cancer: COVID-19 Related State Laws
  State laws may provide additional rights and benefits to individuals coping with cancer. Various laws related to employment, disability insurance, health insurance, COVID-19, accessing medical records, estate-planning, other cancer-related state laws, and immigration are included on this site.

• Triage Cancer Checklist: Managing Work, Insurance, & Finances During Covid-19 
  This  resource provides a checklist to help patients understand and manage their workplace, health insurance, and insurance rights and options.
• Triage Cancer and The Samfund: Cancer Finances Toolkit 
  Triage Cancer and The Samfund added a "COVID-19 and Cancer" module to their Cancer Finances Toolkit. As more information is available about the federal legislation recently passed, and regulations are issued by the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS, Triage Cancer will be updating this site and sharing information in their cancer educational blog.