Assistance Fund Opens Co-Pay Program for Myasthenia Gravis Patients

The Assistance Fund recently launched a program to provide financial support to patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

The Assistance Fund is a charity foundation that assists patients and their families by helping them meet the financial needs associated with treatment expenses.

Currently managing more than 30 disease-specific funds, The Assistance Fund will help MG patients pay out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with treatment, including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and incidental medical expenses through a new MG-specific fund.

Each disease-specific fund covers U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications.

For diseases like MG, medications can make a significant difference. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), up to 20 percent of MG patients experience one or more myasthenic crises in their lives. MG affects men and women equally and there is no known cure. However, existing therapies have been found to improve quality of life considerably, for both patients and their families — if they can afford it.

“Highly effective treatment options for myasthenia gravis are available, allowing individuals with the condition to lead full and relatively comfortable lives,” Mark P. McGreevy, president of The Assistance Fund, said in a press release. “However, these therapies can be a significant expense for families. We are excited to provide much-needed financial support through our new myasthenia gravis fund so that patients can access treatments and improve their quality of life.”

“Perhaps there is nothing more frustrating for patients with a life-altering disease like myasthenia gravis (MG) than knowing that there are treatments that can help, but not being able to afford them,” added Nancy Law, CEO for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) who has lived with MG herself for more than two decades. “We at MGFA are grateful that The Assistance Fund will be able to help many patients with copays, deductibles, health insurance premiums and other medical expenses — allowing them to pursue optimal care without undue financial burden.”

MG is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness after periods of activity. Muscles affected may include those controlling the eyes and eyelids, facial expressions or breathing.

To learn more about eligibility criteria to receive financial support, call (855) 845-7608 to speak with a patient advocate, or visit tafcares.org.