New Health Well Foundation Fund Assists Underinsured Patients Suffering from Diabetic Foot Ulcers
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- Published on Friday, 05 February 2016 08:32
Copay Assistance Offers Financial Relief to Help Patients Access Immediate Care
GAITHERSBURG, Md. - February 2, 2016 - The HealthWell Foundation®, an independent non-profit that provides a financial lifeline for inadequately insured Americans, launched a new fund to assist patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Through the fund, HealthWell will provide up to $1,500 in copayment assistance for diabetic foot ulcer treatments to eligible patients who are insured and have annual household incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), a diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15% of the 29.1 million patients in the United States with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication. Between 14-24% of diabetes patients with foot ulcers will require an amputation.
"If an ulcer is noticed, patients should seek care from a podiatrist immediately," says James Christina, DPM, APMA Executive Director and CEO. "Prompt treatment will help reduce the risk of infection and amputation, and improve function and quality of life. More importantly, people with diabetes should see a podiatrist for regular preventive care to help prevent development of ulcerations."
"Adhering to foot ulcer treatments is key for these patients," says Krista Zodet, HealthWell Foundation President. "Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our Diabetic Foot Ulcers Fund will allow patients to start or continue treatments while alleviating some of the financial stress they face in managing their condition."
To determine eligibility and apply for financial assistance, visit HealthWell's Diabetic Foot Ulcers Fund page. To learn how you can support this or other HealthWell programs, visit HealthWellFoundation.org.
About the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,500 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.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 225,000 underinsured patients 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.
