HealthWell Foundation Launches New Fund to Assist Migraine Patients

Financial Assistance for Copayments and Premiums Now Available

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Jan 16, 2019, 08:00 ET

GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The HealthWell Foundation^®, an independent non-profit that provides a financial lifeline for inadequately insured Americans, has opened a new fund offering financial assistance to patients who are living with migraines. The new fund provides up to $4,000 in copayment or premium assistance to eligible patients who are living with migraines and have annual household incomes up to 500% of the federal poverty level to assist with medical treatments.

Migraine is a neurological disease with extremely incapacitating neurological symptoms that affects approximately 39 million people in the United States and is the third most prevalent illness in the world. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is typically a severe throbbing recurring pain, usually on one side of the head. But in about 1/3 of attacks, both sides are affected. Attacks are often accompanied by disabling symptoms such as visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face. In some cases, other disabling symptoms are present without head pain. American employers lose more than $13 billion each year as a result of 113 million lost work days due to migraine.

"Given the millions of Americans who struggle with the debilitating effects of migraine, resources such as those provided by the HealthWell Foundation will be instrumental in easing the financial difficulties many face in treating this disease," stated Vincent Martin, MD, President of the National Headache Foundation. "We applaud HealthWell for providing this valuable service to the migraine community and for giving these patients access to treatments that may have otherwise been out of reach."

"Migraine sufferers are sometimes burdened with multiple symptoms during an attack," commented Krista Zodet, HealthWell Foundation President. "While some of these symptoms may be diminished through treatment, many who suffer will forgo treatment due to cost. We are honored that our dedicated donors recognize the impact that this disease has on patients and their families. We are excited to be able to provide migraine patients the financial resources that will enable them to access critical medical treatment to manage their condition."

To determine eligibility and apply for financial assistance, visit HealthWell's Migraine Fund 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 National Headache Foundation
Founded in 1970, the National Headache Foundation is the oldest and largest foundation for patients with headaches. Its mission is "To cure headache, and end its pain and suffering." Its vision is "A World Without Headache." The Foundation is the premier educational and informational resource for those with headache, health care providers, and the public. The work of the Foundation is through education, raising awareness, advocacy, and research. In order to help patients access quality healthcare for their headaches, the Foundation has established the Certificate of Added Qualification in Headache Medicine for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, and clinical psychologists who treat headache patients. It publishes the quarterly magazine, HeadWise^® and the monthly e-newsletter, NHF News to Know.

CONTACT:
Ginny Dunn
240-632-5309
[email protected]

SOURCE HealthWell Foundation