Insurance and Financial Support

42. Is there a list of insurance companies that cover lupus?

The LFA doesn't have a list of insurance companies that write policies for people with chronic or preexisting conditions. Every state has different insurance regulations. We urge you to contact the State Department of Insurance for information on health or life insurance coverage in the state where you live. Discuss with them the particulars of your situation to find out your options. Contact information for U.S. State Departments of Insurance is available at: http://www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm.

43. Can the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) provide financial assistance to individuals in need?

Unfortunately, the Foundation is not set up to provide individuals with financial assistance. We may, however, be able to refer you to other agencies or organizations that can be of help. We encourage you to contact your nearest LFA Chapter as they may be able to assist you in locating local resources. You also can contact your county Department of Social Services to find out about available services in your area.

The U.S. Federal Government has three web portals to help individuals identify federal programs for which they may be eligible.

Can the LFA help me pay for my prescription medications?

The LFA is not able to provide financial assistance to individuals with lupus. If you are having difficulty paying for medications to treat your lupus, there may be assistance available through the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA). PhRMA sponsors a program that provides prescription medications free to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medications. The Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs lists member companies of PhRMA that participate, medications covered, and eligibility criteria. If you meet the criteria, the pharmaceutical company will send the medication to your doctor, who will dispense it to you. Further information is available at the PhRMA web page: The Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs Consult your physician to determine if you are eligible to access any medications through this program.

The Together Rx Access™ Card was created as a public service by a group of some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, in order to provide savings on prescriptions to eligible residents of the US and Puerto Rico who have no prescription drug coverage. The eligiblity requirements are as follows:

A legal resident of the United States or Puerto Rico
Not eligible for Medicare.
Have no prescription drug coverage of any kind.
Household income is equal to or less than:
- $30,000 for a single person
- $40,000 for a family of two
- $50,000 for a family of three
- $60,000 for a family of four
- $70,000 for a family of five
Families of six or more and residents of Alaska and Hawaii should contact the Together Rx Access Program at 1-800-444-4106, or visit this website to determine eligibility.

Does the Lupus Foundation of America have a scholarship program to help students with lupus pay for college/training?

The LFA does not have a scholarship or any other form of financial aid available to students. Financial aid information is available at the following websites:

The LFA does have a summer fellowship program for student researchers who work under the supervision of an established lupus investigator. Learn more information about the Gina Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program.

There is a small scholarship program for people with lupus operated by another private foundation. Learn more information about the LIFE (Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence) Scholarship.

Email This Article To A Friend - Print This Article