Patient Aid Program
Since 2001, the CLRA Patient Aid Program has provided $1.4 million in co-pay reimbursements assistance to 600 patients with blood cancer. We’ve been able to do this through the generous contributions of our Donors.
Assistance includes medical bills for oral chemotherapy, IVIG, immunosuppressants, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), preventative antibiotics, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pain and numbing, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, antidepressants, blood thinners, and vitamins and minerals.
For patients who have had transplants, we offer assistance for liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal, skin, antibiotic, viral, and fungal prescriptions related to Graft vs. Host Disease, as well as for those who do not have GVHD.
What’s NOT Covered
Please do not submit bills for health insurance premiums, COBRA payments, medical supplies and equipment including masks and accessories, physical therapy, osteopath therapy, massage, acupuncture, acupressure, home healthcare, caregiving, prescription delivery fees, dentistry, optometry, facility parking, basic living, lost wages, travel or lodging expenses, ambulance, emergency room, and hospital stays including for observation, private rooms, discharge fees, and hospital fees.
Eligibility
The CLRA Patient Aid Program is available for children and adults with leukemia and other blood cancers who are residing and receiving treatment in the United States. Patients must be United States citizens with a Social Security number, or Legal Residency number, or ITIN number. Please note, Medicaid recipients are not eligible. No proof of income is required.
Enrollment
Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis starting in January of each year.
As of May 24, 2023, all new applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the 2023 program.
Patients must have a Doctor’s Verification Form from their treating physician dated no earlier than 30 days of submitting the application. The treating physician needs to complete the form. Patients must upload the completed form within the
application.
Patients also need their Insurance card to apply.
Due to unusually high program demand, please allow 30 days for application review and processing.
Program information and application instructions can be found HERE.
Patient Aid Timeline
1
Application Submitted
2
Application Approved
3
File first claim within four (4) months of the approval date. If no claims are filed, program enrollment is terminated.
Program Notes
The maximum assistance to each patient is $3,000 for approved claims within the dates of service between November 1st of the prior year and October 31st of the current year. The deadline to receive claims within CLRA guidelines is December 1st of the current year.
Dates of service for the 2023 program year are November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023. The deadline to submit claims is December 1, 2023.
Enrollment is automatically terminated if there are no claims submitted within four
months of the application approval date. Patients are required to submit
applications annually. Prior acceptance does not in any way guarantee acceptance
in subsequent years. The program is dependent on funding availability.
Our Stories Illustrate the Impact
“Last year, at 80 years of age, I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. The news was devastating to myself and my family.
The medical bills were overwhelming me. The stress of the cancer fight is enough and having to deal with financial worries on top of it all was a lot to deal with.
My daughter found CLRA. I was so happy when she informed me that I had help with my bills. I can’t thank you enough for your help in my fight against MCL. I just received news this week that I am in remission!”
-Andy C., MCL patient
“Children’s Leukemia Research Association has been very helpful with the financial burden of MDS. They have provided financial help for co-pays related to my MDS. They have also promptly responded to messages I have left. I’m thankful for the support.”
Fran, MDS Patient
“My CML diagnosis was stunning to me and my family. I had to stop working permanently. The financial strain was overwhelming. I had exhausted my savings on co-payments for treatment.
My oncology team worked with Ms. Tara and I was successfully enrolled in the program. It means the world to me that Children’s Leukemia Research Association was able to assist me and my family in a critical time of need. I can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Carlton, CML Patient
“My child Mason was diagnosed with leukemia. A lot of times people don’t realize the cost of childhood cancer. My wife had to stop working so we are on one income. Some of the treatments are not covered by insurance. We weren’t ready emotionally or financially. It’s good to have the support of the Children’s Leukemia Research Association. They are a much-needed resource. We are grateful for what they have done for our family.”
Arthur, father of a child diagnosed with Leukemia
“The Children’s Leukemia Research Association is always there for the patients. They help us get past their bills. I never thought I would be in this situation and I am grateful every day. I am not a number. The team at CLRA is supportive and kind. They always answer the phone and email to check on me. They are appreciated more than they know.”
Angie is a mother, a Multiple Myeloma patient, and a recipient of CLRA funds to help cover medical expenses.
