home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
Text File | 2004-04-18 | 40.1 KB | 1,137 lines |
- Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail
- Message-ID: <medicine/transplant-faq/part3_1082200966@rtfm.mit.edu>
- Supersedes: <medicine/transplant-faq/part3_1079601013@rtfm.mit.edu>
- Expires: 31 May 2004 11:22:46 GMT
- X-Last-Updated: 2001/03/11
- From: mike_holloway@hotmail.com (Michael Holloway)
- Newsgroups: bit.listserv.transplant,sci.med,sci.answers,news.answers
- Subject: FAQ: bit.listserv.transplant, Organ transplant ng (Part 3 of 4)
- Followup-To: bit.listserv.transplant
- Organization: none
- Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
- Reply-To: mike_holloway@hotmail.com (Michael Holloway)
- Summary: This is a description of the bit.listserv.transplant newsgroup
- and its parent mail list, TRNSPLNT. Frequently asked
- questions regarding organ transplantation are addressed.
- A list of resources for transplantation patients is provided.
- Pointers to other Internet transplantation resources are provided.
- Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU
- Date: 17 Apr 2004 11:26:58 GMT
- Lines: 1112
- NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu
- X-Trace: 1082201218 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 569 18.181.0.29
- Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu bit.listserv.transplant:59087 sci.med:366941 sci.answers:15942 news.answers:269799
-
- Archive-name: medicine/transplant-faq/part3
-
- Part 3 of bit.listserv.transplant FAQ
-
- Last updated 4/11/01
-
- Updated contact information for Aventis and Pfizer in Part 3, section I, as
- per corrections provided by Bob Finn.
-
-
- Contents
-
- I. National Transplant Patient Resources Directory
- II. Other Resources
- a. Other companies offering pharmaceutical delivery services
- b. Additional drug payment assistance
- c. Financial and travel assistance
- d. Medicare drug cost coverage
- e. Additional government programs of interest
- f. Patient specific education and support
- Products
- Organizations
-
- The following is a list of financial and support resources. Section I is
- copied from a pamphlet provided gratis from Stadtlanders Pharmacy and The
- Transplant Foundation. Call either of them at the numbers below to get a
- copy of the guide and be put on their mailing list for updates. Section II
- lists other resources and information provided by American Preferred
- Plan, other organizations, and members of the TRNSPLNT discussion list.
-
- Inclusion of pharmacy companies in this file is not an endorsement of
- their services. In fact, it is recommended that patients very carefully
- examine whether the services are worth the added cost to your medication
- expenses. The word on the TRNSPLNT list is that they are convenient, but
- expensive.
-
- Mike Holloway
- holloway@concentric.net
- =========================================================================
-
- ===============================================
- National Transplant Patient Resources Directory
- ===============================================
- provided by Stadtlanders Pharmacy and The Transplant Foundation
-
- An updated version is now available at the Stadtlanders' web site
- http://www.stadtlander.com/transplant/trnsdirect.html
-
- The Transplant Foundation
-
- The Transplant Foundation is a national, non-profit volunteer organiza-
- tion providing resource information and direct grants to post-transplant
- recipients to offset the costs of immunosuppressive medications. The
- number of individuals who can receive assistance and the grant
- amounts are determined by total contributions received each year. The
- Foundation serves as a clearinghouse for information as well as an advo-
- cate for the rights of transplant recipients. For more information on The
- Transplant Foundation call 800-285-5115.
-
- Stadtlanders
-
- At Stadtlanders we witness the miracle of transplantation everyday
- through the 10,000+ transplant recipients we serve. As the first pharmacy
- dedicated to serving the needs of the transplant community, Stadtlanders
- provides individuals with medication delivery and insurance billing
- services nationwide. The Social Services Department offers financial
- and emotional counseling as well as resource information. To learn
- more about Stadtlanders services call 800-238-7828.
-
-
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
- INDEX
-
- NATIONAL RESOURCES
- COVERAGE FOR HEALTH CARE/MEDICATIONS
-
- COBRA 1
- High Risk Insurance Pools 1
- Medicaid Coverages 2
- SSI - Supplemental Security Income
- Medicaid
- QMB - Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
- Medicare 3
- Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap Policy) 3
- State Kidney Programs 3
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs 4
- Veterans Administration 4
- Drug company payment assistance 4
-
- NATIONAL RESOURCES
- EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, FINANCIAL GRANTS,
- FUNDRAISING INFORMATION, MEDICATION GRANTS
-
- American Association of Kidney Patients 5
- American Cancer Society 5
- American Diabetes Association 5
- American Heart Association 6
- American Kidney Fund 6
- American Liver Foundation 6
- American Lung Association 6
- American Organ Transplant Association 7
- Children's Organ Transplant Association 7
- Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International 7
- The National Heart Assist and Transplant Fund 7
- National Kidney Foundation 8
- National Organization For Rare Disorders (NORD), Inc 8
- Organ Transplant Fund, Inc 8
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association 9
- The Transplant Foundation 9
- TRIO 9
-
- RESOURCES BY CATEGORY INDEX 10
-
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 1
-
- =======================================================
- National Resources Coverage for Health Care/Medications
- =======================================================
-
- The following resources may provide coverage for your health care and
- medications. Please contact these resources to determine if you meet the
- eligibility requirements for such coverage.
-
-
- COBRA
- Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
-
- If you have separated from a full-time place of employment recently, you
- may be eligible for COBRA coverage. The exception to this is an employee
- who enrolls in Medicare. In this case, the employer is not required to
- offer COBRA coverage, but the employer can choose to offer COBRA coverage.
-
- Under COBRA, an employer with 20 or more employees must offer
- continuation of the group health plan for approximately 18 or 29 months
- to an employee whose employment is terminated, if certain eligibility
- standards are met. The employee would be responsible for payment of
- premiums at the same cost (plus 2%) that the employer was paying. A
- dependent of the employee may be eligible for 36 months of coverage.
-
- To determine whether you might be eligible for COBRA coverage, contact
- your employer's employee benefits office. In addition, you can contact:
-
- U.S. Department of Labor--202-219-8776
- Contact regarding non-public employment.
-
- Public Health Service--301 443-1886
- Contact for state and local government employees.
-
- Internal Revenue Service--202-6224695
- It takes approximately 3-5 working days to have a response to your request.
-
-
-
- HIGH RISK INSURANCE POOLS
-
- A directory of high-risk insurance policies available state-by-state has
- been put together by an organization called Communicating for
- Agriculture. These policies are rather expensive, not available in all
- states, and need to be carefully considered to determine if they meet
- your needs. However, when available, they may be an excellent way to
- obtain necessary health coverage.
-
- For information as to whether your state has such a high risk pool, call
- 800-445-1525.
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 2
-
-
- MEDICAID COVERAGES
-
- Medicaid often provides coverage for outpatient medications. There are
- several ways to become eligible for Medicaid benefits.
-
- A. SSI - SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
-
- Provides a minimum income level for aged (65 or over), blind, individuals
- with disabilities, and couples with limited income and limited resources.
- If you are eligible for SSI cash payments, you are likely to also be
- eligible for Medicaid coverage for medications. To determine if you are
- eligible for SSI, call the Social Security Office at 800-272-1213.
-
- B. MEDICAID
- There are two possible categories of need under the Medicaid program.
-
- 1. Categorically Needy - Individuals who fall at or below the income and
- resource level designated as the "poverty line" by their state must be
- covered by Medicaid for their health care, assuming all other eligibility
- criteria are met.
-
- 2. Medically Needy (Spend Down) - In some states, individuals who are
- above the income and resource level designated as the "poverty line"
- may be eligible for Medicaid through the medically needy program. In
- the states where such a program is offered, individuals are allowed to
- "spend down" their excess income (but not resources) to the "poverty
- line over a period of time. The "spend down" is like a 'deductible."
- It is the process of using medical expenses to reduce the income of an
- individual to the level of eligibility for Medicaid.
-
- C. QMB - QUALIFIED MEDICARE BENEFICIARY
- You are a Oualified Medicare Beneficiary if you are:
-
- ...age 65 or over or a person living with a disability, AND
-
- ...entitled to Medicare Part A
-
- ...have income that is not over the Federal Poverty level
-
- ...have resources that do not go over the limit set for SSI eligibility.
-
- If eligible, there is a possibility of Medicaid coverage for prescription
- medication and/or coverage of other Medicare premium costs.
-
- To apply, contact your local public assistance of tics.
-
- Note: For information regarding SSI, Medicaid, Spend Down, and QMB,
- call the Social Security Office at 800-772-1213.
-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 3
-
-
- MEDICARE
-
- Medicare currently covers heart, liver and kidney transplants in an
- approved facility. Bone marrow transplants are covered only under
- specific diagnoses.
-
- Medicare Part B pays for immunosuppressive drugs for a period of one year
- from the date of discharge from the transplant admission.
- (Note: This was revised in 1993. See section IIc below. MH)
-
- On August 6, 1993, Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
- of 1993 which will extend Medicare coverage for immunosuppressant
- medications for those who meet the eligibility guidelines.
-
- This extended coverage will be phased in by the following timetable:
-
- ... before 1995, coverage will continue to be for 12 months
- ... during 1995, coverage will be for 18 months
- ... during 1996, coverage will be for 24 months
- ... during 1997, coverage will be for 30 months
- ... during any year after 1997, coverage will be for 36 months
-
-
- MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE (Medigap Policy)
-
- Medicare does not always cover 100% of all medical needs. That is why
- there are medicate supplemental policies (Medigap), which are intended to
- cover some of the services that Medicare does not. In every state there
- are standardized Medigap policies which are created to fill these "gaps."
-
- Generally, an individual must purchase one of these Medigap policies
- within six months of their Medicare B effective date.
-
- There are three Medigap plans (H, I, and J) which offer LIMITED coverage
- for out-patient medications.
-
- You are strongly encouraged to call your State Insurance Department to
- determine if you are eligible to buy one of these policies. They can also
- advise which insurance companies are selling Medigap plans H, I or J. For
- the number of your State Insurance Department call the National Insurance
- Consumer Helpline at 800-942-4242.
-
-
- STATE KIDNEY PROGRAMS
-
- Only Kidney Transplant or Renal Patients
-
- There are approximately twenty-five states which have a state kidney
- program which may offer assistance with out-patient renal medications. To
- determine if your state has such a program, contact the National
- Organization for State Kidney Programs in Missouri at 800-733-7345.
-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 4
-
-
- STATE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
-
- The following states have programs with specific financial eligibility
- guidelines that offer assistance with out-patient medications to senior
- citizens andror persons with disabilities:
-
- - Connecticut CONN PACE Program - CoMecticut Pharmaceutical
- Assistance Contract to the Elderly and the Disabled--
- 800-423-5026
-
- Delaware The Nemours Health Clinic Program
- New Castle County--302-429-8050
- Kent and Sussex County--800-292-9538
-
- - Illinois Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
- 800-624-2459 or 217-524-0435
-
- - Maine Elderly Low-Cost Drug Program--800-773-7894
-
- - Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program--800-492-1974
-
- - New Jersey PAAD Program - Pharmaceutical Assistance
- to the Aged and Disabled--800-792-9745
-
- - New York EPIC Program--800-332-3742
-
- - Pennsylvania PACE Program - Pharmaceutical Assistance
- Contract for the Elderly--800-225-7223
-
-
- VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
-
- If you have a military history with an honorable discharge, it may be
- possible to become eligible for VA benefits. However, it has become more
- and more difficult to become eligible without a service-connected
- disability. To determine your eligibility, contact your local Veterans
- Hospital or VA office.
-
-
- PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
-
- Ask your doctor to call for information and paperwork.
-
- DRUG Manufacturer Telephone #
- ---- ------------ -----------
- BACTRIM Roche Labs 800-526-6367
- CALAN Searle 800-542-2526
- CARDIZEM Aventis 800-552-3656
- DILANTIN Pfizer 800-438-1985
- EPOGEN Amgen Inc. 800-272-9376
- IMURAN/ZOVIRAX Burroughs Wellcome 800-722-9294
- NEUPOGEN Amgen Inc. 800-272-9376
- SANDIMMUNE, Novartis Pharma 800-447-6673
- NEUROL
- VASOTEC,PRILOSCEC
- Merck, Sharp & Dome 800-637-2579
- ZANTAC Glaxo 800-452-9677
- MICRONASE Upjohn (616)323-6004
-
-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 5
-
- ====================================================================
- National Resources
- Educational Information, Financial Grants, Fundraising Information,
- Medication Grants
- ====================================================================
-
- Listed in alphabetical order are agencies that may offer assistance with
- educational information, financial grants, fund raising information, and
- medication grants.
-
- Please refer to the Resources by Category guide on page 10 of this
- directory to quickly determine which agencies offer the resource you
- need.
-
- In addition, the following letters are noted after each agency name to
- indicate resources offered:
-
- E - Educational Information
- F - Financial Grants
- FR - Fundraising Information
- M - Medication Grants
-
-
- AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF KIDNEY PATIENTS (E)
-
- National AAKP
- 100 South Ashley Drive
- Suite 280
- Tampa, Florida 33602
-
- AAKPnat@aol.com
-
- 800-749-2257
-
- Purpose is to promote the welfare of kidney patients through education
- and advocacy. Self-help and patient education are key elements of local
- chapter activities.
-
-
- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (E, M)
-
- 1599 Clifton Road
- Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- 800-227-2345
-
- Non-profit health organization that supports education and research in
- cancer prevention, diagnosis, detection and treatment, with special
- services available to cancer patients. Some chapters offer limited
- medication grants.
-
-
- AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION (E)
-
- 1660 Duke Street
- Alexandria, Virginia 22314
- 800-232-3472
-
- Non-profit health organization that provides the general public,
- diabetics, and health- care professionals with educational support
- including books, literature and seminars.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 6
-
-
- AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (E)
-
- 7272 Greenville Avenue
- Dallas, Texas 75231-4596
- 800-AHA-USA1/800-242-8721
-
- Callers are routed to a local American Heart Association office and can
- obtain infor- mation about heart disease and the type of support services
- available in local area. Also, callers can receive a free brochure,
- "About Heart Transplants."
-
-
- AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND (ELF)
-
- 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010
- Rockville, Maryland 20852
- 800-638-8299
-
- Non-profit health organization that provides limited grants to needy
- dialysis patients, transplant recipients and donors to help cover the
- cost of health-related expenses, transportation, medications, etc.
- Provides information and support for kidney donation and transplantation
- as well as general education and information on kidney diseases.
-
-
- AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION (E, FR)
-
- 1425 Pompton Avenue
- Cedar Grove, New Jersey 07009
- 800-223-0179
-
- Voluntary agency dedicated to fighting liver disease through research,
- education and patient self-help groups. Provides fund raising information
- and will act as trustee for monies raised.
-
-
- AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION (E)
-
- 1740 Broadway
- New York, New York 10019
- 800-LUNG-USA/800-586-4872
-
- Non-profit, voluntary health organization that offers information to
- people considering lung transplant, and to those individuals who are at
- any point in the lung transplant process. Callers can receive a fact
- sheet on lung transplantation and a list of trans- plant centers
- nationwide. This association can provide referrals to local support
- groups, as well as contacts with other people who have had a lung
- transplant or are waiting for a transplant.
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 7
-
-
- AMERICAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION
- (AOTA) (E, FR)
-
- 3335 Cartwright Rd.
- Missouri Citys, Texas 77459
- 281-261-2682
-
- Private, non-profit group that provides numerous services to recipients
- and their families. Including airfare and bus tickets, advice on fund
- raising and establishing trust funds. Will act as trust fund, no
- administrative fees collected. AOTA publishes a newsletter for members.
- Individuals needing airfare or bus tickets must be referred by their
- transplant center.
-
-
- CHILDREN'S ORGAN TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION
- (COTA) (FR)
-
- 2501 COTA Drive
- Bloomington, Indiana 47403
- 800-366-2682
- cota@cota.org
- http://www.cota.org
- National, non-profit agency helps organize local community in fund
- raising for the individual family in order to assist with pediatric
- transplants and related expenses. COTA also assists adults. All funds
- raised go to the individual, no administrative fees collected.
-
-
- JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL (E)
-
- 432 Park Avenue South
- New York, New York 10016
- 800-JDF-CURE/800-223-1138
-
- Non-profit health organization supporting diabetes research. Provides
- information and brochures on diabetes. Offers referrals through its
- chapters.
-
-
- THE NATIONAL HEART ASSIST AND TRANSPLANT FUND
- (E,F,FR)
-
- 519 West Lancaster Avenue, PRO. Box 163
- Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041
- 800-NHATF99/800-642-8399
-
- Private, non-profit group dedicated to providing financial, social and
- emotional support to patients needing heart, heartalung, or lung
- transplants and their families. NHATF provides modest grants for
- transplant related costs. Provides information on centers, support
- groups, and materials.
- (Continued)
-
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 8
-
-
- (continued....) Individuals may establish regional restricted funds
- through NHATF.
-
- Assists heart, heartalung, and lung transplant patients with fund raising
- by providing expertise and by acting as a trust fund for monies raised.
-
- NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION (E)
-
- 30 E. 33rd Street, 11th Floor
- New York, New York 10016
- 800-622-9010
-
- Voluntary health agency seeking the total answer to diseases of the
- kidney and urinary tract...including prevention, treatment, and cure. The
- Foundation's program brings help to people suffering from kidney disease
- through research, patient and community services, professional education
- and public information.
-
-
- NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR RARE DISORDERS
- (NORD),INC. (E,M)
-
- P. O. Box 8923
- New Fairfield, Connecticut 06812-2783
- 800-447-6673/203-746-8958
- http://www.rarediseases.org
-
- Serves as a clearinghouse for information for over 5,000 rare disorders.
- This information is clearly written for the lay person. NORD can also
- connect patients with the same or similar illnesses with each other.
-
- Unfortunately, we don't manage the Sandoz drug assistance program
- anymore. However, you can contact Novartis (formerly Sandoz) at:
- 1-888-455-6655. Please contact us if we can be of any further assistance.
- Sincerely,
- NORD Information Services
-
- ORGAN TRANSPLANT FUND, INC. (FR, M)
-
- National Office
- 1027 South Yates Road
- Memphis, Tennessee 38119
- 800-489-3863
-
- Offices located in selected states.
-
- Assists candidates/recipients nationwide in obtaining transplants and
- after care, as well as providing essential support and referral services.
- Provides clients with fund raising expertise and materials and assures
- that funds raised are properly dispersed. Limited emergency grants
- available for medications of not longer than 3 months duration.
- Administrative fee collected.
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 9
-
-
- PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (M)
-
- 1100 Fifteenth Street NW
- Washington, DC 20005
-
- This association publishes the "Directory of Prescription Drug Indigent
- Programs" from information provided by member companies. The directory
- currently lists 59 programs alphabetically by company. Each entry details
- how to apply, drugs that are covered, and basic eligibility requirements.
-
- A free copy may be obtained by writing to PMA, at the above address. The
- request must be received on physician, health-care professional or agency
- letterhead.
-
-
- THE TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION (E, M)
-
- 8002 Discovery Drive, Suite 310
- Richmond, Virginia 23229
- 804-285-5115
-
- National, non-profit volunteer organization providing grants to post
- transplant recipients to offset the costs of immunosuppressive
- medications. The number of individuals who can receive assistance and the
- grant amounts are determined by total contributions received each year.
- The Foundation serves as a national clearinghouse for information, as
- well as an advocate for the rights of transplant recipients.
-
- TRIO
- Transplant Recipients International Organization
- http://www.trioweb.org
-
- 1735 I St. NW
- Suite 917
- Washington DC 2006
-
- (800) TRIO-386, (202) 293-0980,
- fax (202) 293-0973.
-
- TRIO is an independent non-profit international organization committed to
- improving the quality of life of transplant candidates, recipients, and
- their families. TRIO, through a network of local chapters, serves its
- members in the areas of support, advocacy, awareness and education. TRIO
- awards $1,000 scholarships annually to transplant recipients wishing to
- pursue post-secondary education. Clearinghouse for educational materials.
- Referrals made to local chapters.
-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- pg. 10
-
- =====================
- RESOURCES BY CATEGORY
- =====================
-
-
- EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
-
- AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF KIDNEY PATIENTS 5
- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 5
- AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION 5
- AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 6
- AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND. 6
- AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION 6
- AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION 6
- AMERICAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION (AOTA). 7
- JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL. 7
- THE NATIONAL HEART ASSIST AND TRANSPLANT FUND 7
- NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION 8
- NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR RARE DISORDERS (NORD), INC 8
- THE TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION 9
- TRIO 9
-
- FINANCIAL GRANTS
-
- AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND 6
- THE NATIONAL HEART ASSIST AND TRANSPLANT FUND 7
-
-
- FUNDRAISING
-
- AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION 6
- AMERICAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION (AOTA) 7
- CHILDREN'S ORGAN TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION (COTA) 7
- THE NATIONAL HEART ASSIST AND TRANSPLANT FUND 7
- ORGAN TRANSPLANT FUND, INC. 8
-
-
- MEDICATION GRANTS
-
- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 5
- NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR RARE DISORDERS (NORD), INC 8
- ORGAN TRANSPLANT FUND, INC. 8
- PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 9
- THE TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION 9
-
-
-
- If you are aware of any other national resources that you would like to
- have reviewed for inclusion in the next printing of this directory,
- please call Stadtlanders Social Services Department at 800-238-7828
- and/or The Transplant Foundation at 804-285-5115. Thank you for any
- resource information you are able to contribute.
-
- We hope that this information is helpful to you but, by no means is this
- an all inclusive list of resources. You are always encouraged to seek the
- support and direction of the social worker at your medical facility.
-
- =======================================================================
-
-
- ===================
- II. Other Resources
- ===================
-
- a. Other companies offering pharmaceutical delivery services:
- -------------------------------------------------------------
-
- American Preferred Plan
-
- from APP pamphlet:
-
- APP is the leading free membership organization delivering prescription
- medications, directly to you home or office & providing linkages to
- community resources & national support networks. Call your APP membership
- specialist for a confidential planning consultation. 800-227-1195
-
-
- Express Pharmacy Services. 800-826-8850
- PO Box 94999
- Birmingham, AL
- 35220-9989
-
-
- CHRONIMED PHARMACY
- P.O. BOX 47945
- MINNEAPOLIS, MN.55447
- (THEY PUBLISH ENCORE MAGAZINE FOR ORGAN TRANSPLANT PATIENTS)
- 800-888-5753
-
- HOMECARE MANAGEMENT, INC.
- 80 AIR PARK DRIVE
- RONKONKOMA, N.Y. 11779
- 800-637-5633 (NY)
- 800-927-4642 (TX)
- 800-927-4643 (CA)
- 800-927-4644 (PA)
- 800-829-4645 (FL)
- 800-637-5633 (DC)
-
- The Transplant Pharmacy
- http://www.transplantrx.com/
- is an on-line Pharmacy specifically designed for transplant recipients and
- patients waiting to receive a transplant.
- The Transplant Pharmacy is a division of SangStat Medical Corporation
- <http://www.sangstat.com/>, The Transplant Company«.
-
-
- b. Additional drug payment assistance
- ----------------------------------
-
- Needymeds.com, The Place to Learn About Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's
- Drug Assistance Programs
- http://www.needymeds.com/
- Many pharmaceutical manufacturers have special programs to assist people
- who can't afford to buy the drugs they need. One problem is that it's
- often hard to learn about these programs. Our goal is to make this
- information easily accessible.
-
-
- (See also the National Transplant Patient Resources Directory above, pg. 4,
- for other contacts.)
- Have your physician enquire with the companies below about
- reimbursement, grants, and special payment programs.
-
- from a pamphlet distributed by American Preferred Plan:
- Drug companies
- * Abbott Laboratories/Ross Laboratories, (202)637-6889, (800)922-3255
- * Adria Laboratories Inc. (614)764-8100
- * Allergan Prescription Pharmaceuticals (800)347-4500, extension 6219
- * Boehringer Ingleheim (203)798-4131
- * Bristol-Myers Squibb (800)736-0003
- * Burroughs-Wellcome (919)248-4418
- * Ciba-Geigy (908)277-5849
- * Eli Lily and Co. (317)276-2950
- * Genentech Inc. (800)879-4747
- * Hoechst-Roussel (800)776-4563
- * ICI/Stuart (302)886-2231
- * Immunex Corp. (206)587-0430
- * Johnson & Johnson (Ortho Biotechnology) (908)704-5232
- * Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals) (908)524-9409
- * Norwich-Eaton (607)335-2079
- * Pfizer Pharmaceuticals (800)869-9979
- * Sanofi Winthrop (212)907-2000
- * Schering-Plough (800)822-7000
- * Sigma-Tau (800)999-6673
- * SmithKline Beecham (Program 1: all pharmaceuticals) (215)751-5760
- * SmithKline Beecham (Program 2: Eminase and Triostat) (800)866-6273
- * Syntex Laboratories (800)822-8255
- * Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories (215)971-5604
-
- Other companies:
- * 3M Pharmaceuticals 800-328-0255
- * Alza Pharmaceuticals 415-962-4243
- * Astra USA, Inc. 800-488-3247
- * Berlex 800-423-7539
- * Fujisawa Prograf Patient Assistance Program - 800-477-6472
- * Hoffman-LaRouche 800-526-6367
- * Knoll 800-526-0710
- * Lederle 800-526-7870
- * McNeil Pharmaceut. 800-682-6532
- * Miles 800-998-9180
- * Ortho Pharmaceuitcals 800-682-6532
- * Pharmacia, Inc. 800-795-9759
- * Proctor & Gamble 800-448-4878
- * Rhone-Poulenc Rorer 610-454-8298
- * Roxane Labs 800-274-8651
- * Serono 617-982-9000
- * Survanta Lifeline 800-922-3255
- * Zeneca Pharmaceuticals 800-424-372
-
-
- c. Financial and travel assistance
- ----------------------------------
-
- Air Care Alliance
- (Thanks to Marion Leska for pointing this one out.)
- http://www.aircareall.org/
- The Air Care Alliance is a nationwide association of humanitarian flying
- organizations dedicated to community service. Using their own time and
- general aviation aircraft, pilot members of these organizations help
- hundreds of people each month. ACA members help needy patients travel to
- facilities where they are able to receive medical attention they would
- otherwise do without.
- There is an Air Care Alliance member near you. Call the AIR CARE ALLIANCE
- Hotline: 1-800-296-1217
-
- AIRLIFELINE
- AirLifeLine is a non-profit charitable organization of private
- pilots nationwide who donate their time, aircraft, and fuel to fly
- medical missions. To be considered for an AirLifeLine flight,
- patients must be ambulatory and medically stable to fly, as
- determined by a doctor. Also, they must be unable to afford a
- commercial flight. This can be verified by a social worker, a
- referring physician, or organization. If you'd like more
- information, have your social worker or doctor call AirLifeLine at
- 800-446-1231.
- If you'd like to make a contribution to AirLifeLine or know a pilot
- who is interested in flying missions, call Air Life Line or write:
- AirLifeLine, 1716 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.
-
- ARIZONA HEALTHCARE COST CONTAINMENT SYSTEM (AHCCCS)
- From Dale Ester <dalee@enet.net>:
- (State funded Medically Indigent / Medically Needy Healthcare Insurance)
- Hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday thru Friday.
- The main switchboard phone number is (602) 254-5522.
- If calling on a rotary phone or need Spanish translation, call (602)
- 234-3655.
- Certain restrictions apply - call for info.
-
- Baby Formula & Medical Supplies Network
- This program has helped many families throughout the U.S. to provide
- adequate nutrition for their children with liver disease.
- Administered through BALT. See Biliary Atresia & Liver Transplant Network
- Inc.
- Part 2, section II.
-
- THE BARBARA ANNE DEBOER FOUNDATION
- Individual Fund-Raising Program.
- Help is available for planning a campaign, and managing the donations to
- insure full availability to you and full tax credit to those
- who donate. For information about this program call
- 1-800-895-8478.
-
- Children's Liver Association for Support Services (C.L.A.S.S.)
- 26444 Emerald Dove Drive
- Valencia, CA 91355
- toll-free: 1-877-679-8256
- (661) 255-0353
- e-mail: SupportSrv@aol.com
- http://www.classkids.org
- Dedicated to addressing the emotional, educational and financial needs of
- families with children afflicted with liver disease. C.L.A.S.S. offers
- the Direct Family Support program for "last resort" financial assistance
- for the families of pediatric liver patients. Types of financial needs
- might include a parent's food allowance while their child is hospitalized,
- lifeline telephone service for a child awaiting transplant, or
- transportation expenses for a clinic visit. Recipients are typically
- referred by a hospital social worker. We invite social workers and families
- to contact us for more information about the Direct Family Support program.
- C.L.A.S.S. is a qualified tax-exempt nonprofit organization under the
- Internal Revenue Code
- as described in section 501(c)(3).
-
- PediaHope
- PediaHope acts as an advocate in behalf of families with children in
- catastrophic medical situations. PediaHope's mission is to intercede with
- hospitals, physicians and insurers to resolve funding issues. The focus
- of PediaHope is to remove barriers keeping children from receiving
- urgent medical care. This includes placement on organ and bone marrow
- transplant lists, cancer treatment, reconstructive surgery and other
- major medical procedures.
- Krasi Henkel, director, pediahope@juno.com
- phone:(703) 757-HOPE fax: (304)728-0317
-
-
- d. Medicare drug cost coverage and information
- ----------------------------------------------
- (provided by Dale Ester <dalee@enet.net>)
-
- The following is current information on the extent of reimbursement
- that Medicare will provide for immunosuppressive medication under
- the OBRA of 1993. The specifics of the coverage time have changed.
- Patients who have recently received their grafts should check to see
- if their coverage has increased.
-
- DISCHARGE COVERAGE COVERAGE COVERAGE TOTAL
- DATE PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD MONTHS OF
- ENDS RENEWS ENDS COVERAGE
-
- 08/1/93 07/3/94 01/1/95 01/31/95 13
- 09/l/93 08/31/94 01/1/95 02/28/95 14
- 10/l/93 09/30/94 01/1/95 03/31/95 15
- 11/1/93 10/31/94 01/1/95 04/30/95 16
- 12/l/93 11/30/94 01/1/95 05/31/95 17
- 0l/l/94 06/30/95 18
- 02/l/94 07/31/95 01/1/96 01/31/96 19
- 03/l/94 08/31/95 01/l/96 02/29/96 20
- 04/l/94 09/30/95 01/1/96 03/31/96 21
- 03/l/94 10/31/95 01/1/96 04/30/96 22
- 06/l/94 11/30/95 01/1/96 05/31/96 23
- 07/l/94 06/30/96 24
- 09/l/94 07/31/96 0l/l/97 01/31/97 25
- 09/l/94 08/31/96 0l/l/97 02/28/97 26
- 10/l/94 09/30/96 0l/l/97 03/31/97 27
- 11/l/94 10/31/96 0l/l/97 04/30/97 28
- 12/l/94 11/30/96 0l/l/97 05/31/97 29
- 01/1/95 06/30/97 30
- 02/l/95 07/31/97 01/1/98 01/31/98 31
- 03/l/95 08/31/97 01/l/98 02/29/98 32
- 04/l/93 09/30/97 01/1/98 03/31/98 33
- 05/1/95 10/31/97 01/1/98 04/30/98 34
- 06/l/95 11/30/97 0l/l/98 05/31/98 35
- 07/l/95 06/30/98 36
-
- Medicare information:
- ---------------------
- From Dale Ester <dalee@enet.net>:
- (Reference: Arizona Senior World, May 1995, Page 31.)
-
- "Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare" (518B)
- Discusses what Medicare pays and does not pay, types of private health
- insurance to supplement Medicare and gives hints on shopping for private
- health insurance.
-
- "Medicare Coverage for Second Surgical Opinion" (521B)
- Explains the importance of getting a second opinion for non-emergency
- surgery, describes Medicare coverage of costs, and gives suggestions for
- locating a specialist in your area.
-
- ""Medicare: Hospice Benefits" (591B)
- Describes the scope of medical and support services available to Medicare
- beneficiaries with terminal illness(es).
-
- "Medicare and Managed Care Plans" (592B)
- Describes the health services available to beneficiaries from health
- maintenance organizations (HMO's).
-
- "Medicare and Other Health Benefits" (593B)
- Answers the question "Who pays first?" Explains the special rules that apply
- to Medicare Beneficiaries who have other health plan coverage.
-
- "Medicare coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services: A
- Supplement to Your Medicare Handbook" (594B)
-
- Describes Medicare benefits for people with permanent kidney failure.
- "Manual De Medicare" (595B)
- The Spanish Language handbook.
-
- "Medicare: Savings for Qualified Beneficiaries" (596B)
- Explains that low-income beneficiaries may be able to get help paying
- Medicare costs.
-
- "Medicare and Your Physician's Bill" (520B)
- Explains how Medicare pays for doctor services and how Medicare
- determines how much it will pay.
- =========================
- To order a free copy of one or more of these publications, send an using
- the name of the booklet supplied and the identification number (in
- parentheses).
-
- Mail order to:
- Consumer Information Center, Department 33
- Pueblo, CO 81009
-
- Be sure to include your name, address, city, state, and zipcode.
- Supplies may be limited. Allow 6 - 8 weeks for delivery.
-
-
- e. Additional government programs of interest
- ---------------------------------------------
- From Alex Bost <alex@unx.sas.com>:
-
- *** Should I get a Flu Shot?
-
- Yearly immunization for the influenza virus is recommended for anyone
- who has a chronic condition. If you are a transplant recipient or on a
- donor list, ask your physician about the Flu Vaccine. Starting in 1993,
- Medicare will pay for the influenza vaccine.
-
-
- f. Patient specific education and support
- -----------------------------------------
- (See also Part 1, section VII; in Yale biomed gopher [described in Part
- 1, section II] UNOS Brochures/1. Questions a patient should ask 2.
- What every patient needs to know)
-
-
- Products
- --------
-
- Transplant patient exercise video
- ---------------------------------
- STADTLANDER'S has produced an exercise video for transplant recipients
- called "Stars for Life" and is distributed free by calling 800 238 7828.
- The video comes with a booklet addressing such topics as:
-
- The importance of regular exercise after transplant
- Ideas for a bone building workout
- The BORG Scale
- Exercise: to bring out the best you can be
- RX for a healthier you
-
-
- Medic Alert bracelet
- --------------------
- From Jeff Punch <Jeff.Punch@MED.UMICH.EDU>
-
- Medic Alert is a company that sells bracelets and necklaces and offers a 24
- hour hot line number that people can call and get information on you based
- on
- the ID number they read off of your bracelet.
- You can enroll in Medic Alert by phone: 1-800-432-5378
- For medical information most people specify the organ that was
- transplanted, any major diseases like diabetes, and any severe
- allergies.
-
- Transplant Awareness Inc.
- -------------------------
- (from Douglas Sur - doug.sur@bigfoot.com)
- Transplant Awareness Inc. sells pins, t-shirts, etc.. to the public to
- help promote transplantation. If you are interested in obtaining some of
- these items or a catalog:
- -Email: tai01@aol.com
- -Phone: 703-534-8587
- -Fax: 703-534-7759
- -US Postal: Transplant Awareness Inc.
- P.O. Box 7634
- Arlington, Virginia 22207
-
-
- Other Organizations Offering Financial Services (not in the Stadtlander's
- list)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- AMERICAN SHARE FOUNDATION
- -------------------------
- from John S. Abbott <SHAREMAN@ix.netcom.com> (1/6/95):
-
- (ASF & ASCOT)
- P.O. BOX 6259
- Alexandria, VA 22306-0259
- 1-800-80-SHARE
-
- A National Charitable Non-profit Organization that provides
- assistance to the general public awaiting organ and tissue
- transplants and recovering transplant recipients, their caregivers
- and family members. The foundation will provide a clearinghouse for
- information and personal support services. The foundation will also
- assist in enhancing public awareness for improving organ and tissue
- donation and transplantation. Some of the activities that the
- American Share Foundation conducts are:
-
- Public meetings and seminars that will advance public education and
- awareness about organ and tissue donation and transplantation;
-
- Communication and distributing information through the publication of
- newsletters, magazines and pamphlets and resource guides on relevant issues
- related to organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
-
- Children's Liver Association for Support Services
- -------------------------------------------------
- Dedicated to addressing the emotional, educational and financial
- needs of families with children afflicted with all types of liver
- disease. We incorporated in September, and received federal tax
- exempt status in November. We published our first newsletter in
- October, and hosted a Holiday Children's party in December where 72
- children and their families enjoyed visits from Mickey, Minnie and
- Santa. Please contact us if you would like to receive our next
- quarterly newsletter, or would like more information in general.
-
- Diane Sumner
- President
- (805)-255-0353
- SupportSrv@aol.com
-
- The Transplant Educational Foundation
- -------------------------------------
- PO Box 12768
- Pittsburgh, PA 15241
- (800)44-TEF-KIDS
- dennish349@aol.com (Denise Heidenreich)
-
- The Transplant Educational Foundation (TEF) is a nonprofit organization
- that provides education, information, and assistance to families with
- children who have experienced, or are in need of organ transplant surgery.
- TEF provides services such as: Family support services that include a
- sibling support program, family networking through the TEF newsletter,
- and the TEF family directory. Educational materials regarding
- transplantation are also available. TEF provides direction about medical
- and non-medical related financial issues and relocation assistance when
- possible.
-
-
- UNOS pamphlets
- --------------
- Text versions of the brochures "Questions a patient should ask", and
- "What every patient needs to know" are available at:
- gopher://info.med.yale.edu:70/11/Disciplines/Disease/Transplant/UNOSbrochure
- See UNOS entry in Part 2, section II for information on receiving hard
- copy versions from UNOS.
-
- _________________________________________________________________
- Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
-
-