Patient Aid Program

Since 2001, the CLRA Patient Aid Program has been a lifeline for individuals battling blood cancer. With over $1.4 million in co-pay reimbursement assistance disbursed to over 600 patients, our commitment to easing the financial burdens of healthcare is unwavering. 


The CLRA Patient Aid Program is a co-pay assistance program for reimbursement of leukemia/blood cancer related medical bills. Upon approval of each claim, payment will be made to the patient or guardian as applicable.

What type of expenses can be submitted for reimbursement? 


Oral chemotherapy, IVIG, immunosuppressants, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), preventative antibiotics, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pain and numbing medications, anti-nausea drugs, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, blood thinners, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Prescriptions related to treatment of post-transplant Graft vs. Host Disease.


Office visits, exams and blood tests, other diagnostic and lab testsb(including those on various organs and systems used to determine how your treatment is affecting them), IV chemotherapy, IVIG therapy, radiation therapy, post-bone marrow transplant therapy.

What’s NOT Covered

Please do not submit invoices or claims for the following expenses: 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 expenses, lost wages, travel or lodging expenses, ambulance services, emergency room visits, or hospital stays (including observation, private rooms, discharge fees, and hospital fees). 

Eligibility

The CLRA Patient Aid Program invites eligible applicants who meet the following criteria: 

  • Child or Adult 
  • Leukemia or other blood-related cancer diagnosis 
  • Residing and undergoing treatment in the United States. 
  • Applicants must provide one of the following: Social Security number, legal residency number, or ITIN number. 
  • Patients must be covered by medical insurance (Medicaid recipients are NOT eligible) 
  • No income verification is necessary. 

Enrollment

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, every January.

Upon application approval, patients/guardians are provided access to submit claims for reimbursement.  

To apply: 

Review the application instructions, HERE

Ask the patient’s treating physician to complete a Doctor’s Verification Form. Form must be dated no earlier than 30 days of application submission. 

The Completed Doctor’s Verification Form and a copy of the patient’s insurance card MUST be uploaded into the application.  

We kindly request a 30-day allowance for application review and processing. 

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 submit claims within CLRA guidelines is December 1st of the current year. 

Dates of service for the 2024 program year are November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2024. The deadline to submit claims is December 1, 2024. 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

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

Three Words By Theresa S.
“Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Oh my Gosh…..
I love you
You’ve got this
We need help
There are grants?
Here for you
You are approved
Aid in mail
Thank you CLRA
Ring the bell
Still in treatment
Long maintenance phase
Still here Theresa
More resources available
Aid in mail
Thank you CLRA

 -Theresa S.

Theresa

“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

Andy

“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.