The Assistance Fund, an independent charitable patient assistance foundation that helps patients and families facing high medical out-of-pocket costs, will provide monetary support to patients with Hunter syndrome through the Hunter Syndrome Financial Assistance Program. Funds from the program can be used for copayments, health insurance premiums, and incidental medical expenses.
“It is with great enthusiasm that The Assistance Fund launches the Hunter Syndrome Financial Assistance Program to help eligible patients pay for their treatments for this disease,” says Mark P. McGreevy, president, The Assistance Fund, in a release. “Individuals with Hunter syndrome can benefit from a range of treatments adapted to meet their specific needs. With support from this fund, we hope that more people with Hunter syndrome are able to access the care that they need.”
Hunter syndrome, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), is a progressively debilitating genetic condition that primarily affects males, occurring in approximately 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 170,000 males. Individuals with Hunter syndrome have narrowed airways that cause upper respiratory infections and sleep apnea, and often require medical assistance to keep airways open. The condition may also cause a buildup of fluid in the brain, an enlarged liver and spleen, and heart valve problems. Patients with Hunter syndrome also suffer from joint deformities that significantly reduce mobility.
“Treatment regimens for Hunter syndrome are individualized, with many requiring a multi-faceted approach of surgeries and therapies to address the diversity of symptoms that the patient displays,” says Robert Bermel, MD, a neurologist and member of The Assistance Fund’s Medical Advisory Board. “These treatments, while critical for the individual’s quality of life and life expectancy, can be cost prohibitive for patients and their families. The Assistance Fund’s Hunter Syndrome Financial Assistance Program is dedicated to providing crucial support that will facilitate access to care.”
Individuals interested in learning more or determining their eligibility for assistance should visit tafcares.org or call 844-294-6405 to speak with a patient advocate.
