GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The HealthWell Foundation^®, an independent non-profit that provides a financial lifeline for inadequately insured Americans, has opened a new fund to provide assistance to Medicare patients who are living with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Under the new fund, HealthWell will provide up to $8,000 in copayment or premium assistance to eligible patients who have annual household incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer in adults. HCC can have different growth patterns, some beginning as a single tumor before spreading to other parts of the liver, while some start as many small cancer nodules throughout the liver – not just in a single tumor. The ACS estimates that each year more than 700,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths.

Suzanna Masartis, Executive Director for Community Liver Alliance, commented on the fund, "With new treatment options becoming available, heightened awareness, and breaking the stigma associated with liver disease, it's an exciting time for the liver community." Ms. Masartis continued, "Medicare patients living with HCC are particularly hard hit by the financial burden of disease treatment and, often times, forgo treatment all together. The CLA applauds the HealthWell Foundation for the launch of the new HCC fund, which clearly addresses an unmet need for these patients."   

"As we continue to strengthen our oncology programs, the addition of the hepatocellular carcinoma fund addresses an acute and critical need for Medicare patients and the liver cancer community as a whole," stated Krista Zodet, HealthWell Foundation President. "Providing financial assistance to these patients so they can start or continue life-changing medical treatments will have a significant impact in managing their care. We are honored that our dedicated donors recognize and support our efforts to ensure that HCC patients are able to access their treatments."

To determine eligibility and apply for financial assistance, visit HealthWell's Hepatocellular Carcinoma page. To learn how you can support this or other HealthWell programs, visit HealthWellFoundation.org.

About the HealthWell Foundation
A nationally recognized, independent non-profit organization founded in 2003, the HealthWell Foundation has served as a safety net for more than 405,000 underinsured patients in more than 65 disease areas by providing access to life-changing medical treatments they otherwise would not be able to afford. HealthWell provides financial assistance to adults and children facing medical hardship resulting from gaps in their insurance that cause out-of-pocket medical expenses to escalate rapidly. HealthWell assists with the treatment-related cost-sharing obligations of these patients. For more information, visit www.HealthWellFoundation.org.

About the Community Liver Alliance
The Community Liver Alliance (CLA), headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to promoting liver health and liver disease awareness, prevention, education and research. Supported by a network of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and community leaders, the organization conducts screenings, develops and runs educational workshops, coordinates support groups, facilitates linkage to necessary medical care, provides education for policy makers on issues related to liver health and works with community leaders and groups to raise awareness about liver disease. To learn more, visit: http://www.communityliveralliance.org/about-us

CONTACT:
Ginny Dunn
240-632-5309
Ginny.Dunn@HealthWellFoundation.org

SOURCE HealthWell Foundation

Related Links

http://www.healthwellfoundation.org