The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Increases Critical Benefit for Myeloma Patients

News provided by

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

Feb 02, 2010, 10:25 ET

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is pleased to announce that, effective Feb. 1, 2010, patients with myeloma and waldenstrom macroglobulinemia will now be able to receive up to $10,000 in support to help offset the costs of prescription drug co-pays and other insurance related expenses. Prior to this change, the maximum benefit for myeloma and waldenstrom macroglobulinemia patients was $5,000.

Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals, may submit applications easily through the online application through the established link on the Co-Pay webpage www.lls.org/copay. Applications can also be submitted on the toll free line with a Co-Pay specialist. Eligibility will be determined by medical and financial need.

"Receiving a diagnosis of a blood cancer such as myeloma is overwhelming and that devastating news can be compounded by an inability to afford the treatments," said Anita Welborn, senior director, patient services reimbursement programs. "LLS is pleased to be able to help alleviate this burden for patients with this expanded benefit."

LLS' Co-Pay Assistance Program also benefits patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Eligible patients with these diseases can now receive up to $5,000 in assistance from LLS' Co-Pay Assistance Program.

For more information, visit www.LLS.org/copay or call (877) 557-2672.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ^®(LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 andheadquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.