HealthWell Foundation® Launches New Peyronie's Fund

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The HealthWell Foundation, an independent non-profit providing nationwide financial assistance to insured Americans with high out-of-pocket medication expenses, today announced the launch of a new fund to assist patients with Peyronie's disease, the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis. The fund provides copayment assistance to people living with Peyronie's who are burdened by high-cost medications.

HealthWell President, Krista Zodet, commented on the launch of the fund, "While this disease reportedly affects a relatively low number of patients, it is believed that many cases go undiagnosed and therefore, go untreated." Ms. Zodet continued, "Whether chronic or acute in nature, it is imperative for patients to have access to care to ensure proper disease management. Through this fund, we can help Peyronie's patients who may not have sought medical advice or treatment due to cost. Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, the HealthWell Foundation stands ready to assist insured patients in easing their out-of-pocket costs for life-altering medical treatment."

"A diagnosis of Peyronie's usually comes as a great shock to men.  Suddenly, they have to deal with a medical condition of a highly sensitive nature, as well as the uncertainty about how the disease will affect them personally," commented Suzanne Miller, Ph.D., Professor, Senior Member, Director, Psychosocial and BioBehavioral Medicine Department.

Fox Chase Cancer Center and HealthWell Foundation Board member. Dr. Miller continued, "Concerns about whether they will be able to function sexually, and challenges in discussing this condition with their partners and providers, can be stressful and even overwhelming. This new fund will fill an important gap by giving men better access to needed medical resources, restoring their self-image, and reducing their anxiety about being able to perform."

To learn how you can support the HealthWell Foundation's mission to ease the financial burden of medication costs for children and adults, visit the Foundation's website at www.HealthWellFoundation.org. 

About Peyronie's Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, Peyronie's (pa-ro-NEEZ) disease is the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved, painful erections. In some men, Peyronie's disease causes a significant bend or pain, which can prevent a man from having sex or may make it difficult to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). For many men, Peyronie's disease also causes stress and anxiety. In some cases, medications may help. Surgery to treat Peyronie's disease is generally only recommended if the curvature and pain are severe enough to prevent sexual intercourse. Cases of Peyronie's disease range from mild to severe and symptoms may develop slowly or appear overnight.

About the HealthWell Foundation
Since 2004, the HealthWell Foundation^® has assisted more than 173,000 insured patients with chronic and life-altering illnesses in meeting their cost-sharing obligations for treatment. HealthWell is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides financial assistance to cover the cost of prescription drug coinsurance, copayments and deductibles, and health insurance premiums. For more information, visit http://www.HealthWellFoundation.org.

CONTACT:
Ginny Dunn
240-632-5309
[email protected]

SOURCE HealthWell Foundation