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Webinar Recap: How the Patient Advocate Foundation Helps Individuals Navigate Cost, Coverage & Care

  • Writer: MGA
    MGA
  • 5 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) often means juggling high-cost therapies, complex insurance decisions, disability paperwork, and appeals all while managing fluctuating symptoms. Too many families delay care, ration medication, or pile up medical debt simply because they don’t know help exists. That’s why we invited Richard Brown of the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) to walk us through the free services and resources available from PAF. Programs include case management, financial navigation, and disease-specific support programs available to people living with chronic and rare conditions, including those with MG.


Who Is the Patient Advocate Foundation?

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free, confidential help to patients with chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating illnesses. Their professionally trained case managers assist with insurance denials and appeals, disability and workplace protections, cost-of-care navigation, and access to financial aid programs (including copay and out-of-pocket support where available).


PAF serves patients regardless of income level, though some financial programs are income-restricted; case management support is broadly available and especially impactful for those facing barriers to medically necessary care.


Key Services Highlighted in the Webinar

1. Case Management Program: Real People Helping You Problem-Solve Insurance & Access Barriers PAF case managers work one-on-one with patients (or caregivers, with permission) to resolve complex issues like prior authorization denials, out-of-network coverage disputes, coding/billing errors, Medicare enrollment questions, and financial hardship appeals. If you’ve ever been told “That’s not covered,” this is where PAF shines.


PAF operates multiple assistance programs designed to help with copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and certain disease-related expenses. Programs are disease-specific or need-specific and funding fluctuates. All funding is on a first come first serve basis, meaning no waiting list so timing matters. They are frequently receiving funding for specific programs and updating their website to reflect that new incoming of funds. Luckily, PAF has created a way for you to stay informed of available funding updated through their funding alerts. You can sign up and/or apply early for your condition category and be alerted when yours opens.


Denied a medication, infusion, or diagnostic test? PAF can help you understand the denial letter, gather supporting documentation, and file a formal appeal. This process is something many individuals never realize is an option. Their team is familiar with commercial plans, Medicare, Medicaid, Marketplace plans, COBRA transitions, and disability insurance intersections.


Because MG symptoms can fluctuate, maintaining employment and qualifying for accommodations is tough. PAF helps patients navigate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) process, FMLA leave, short-term and long-term disability claims, and return-to-work transitions after extended treatment cycles.


PAF maintains downloadable tools, decision guides, cost-tracking worksheets, and insurance literacy materials. These resources are useful for anyone trying to understand formularies, specialty tiers, and infusion benefits.


One of the most powerful takeaways from this session was the importance of proactive advocacy. Richard reminded us that patients should never feel alone when facing medical or financial challenges. PAF is here to stand beside them every step of the way.

If you missed the webinar or want to revisit the discussion, you can watch the full session here: ▶ Watch on YouTube.

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