Lupus Texas Gulf Coast is part of the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact.
We are on a mission to shorten the time to diagnosis of lupus.
We offer free support and services to the over 200,000 Texans living with lupus.
We help educate the community, including health workers and elected officials, about lupus and its potential effects.
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead.
One of the first steps to take when a lupus diagnosis is on the horizon is to learn about it. Knowing really is half the battle!
Doctor appointments are important, but how do you prepare for one? How do you keep track of your symptoms so you can talk with your doctor about your treatment plan? What do you do if you’re in a flare and can’t get to your doctor right away?
Here are a few tools to help prepare and self-advocate.
Below are referrals for physicians as well as the San Jose Clinic. The San Jose Clinic is one of our partners committed to providing quality healthcare & education with respect and compassion for those with limited access to care.
Requirements and eligibility will vary by program for the following list of support programs & organizations.
Lupus Texas Gulf Coast PATH Grant
The Patient Access To Healthcare Grant is for patients with lupus who live in one of the counties we serve who need help covering the cost of medications, co-pays, and other medical costs from managing their lupus.
Link: Apply for the PATH Grant
The Assistance Fund
Financial support for co-payments, deductibles, and premiums to patients who are critically or chronically ill and already have insurance. You must be being treated for a covered illness in the United States and have insurance coverage for prescribed medications.
Income and other eligibility requirements apply.
Phone: 855-845-3663
Website: https://tafcares.org/
The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program
PAF’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides direct financial assistance to qualified patients with co-payments, co- insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds dedicated to specific disease states. In some instances, assistance with insurance premiums and/or ancillary services associated with the disease also may be available.
Phone: 1-866-512-3861
Website: https://copays.org
NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to improving access to affordable healthcare for individuals in need.
Website: https://www.needymeds.org
The Healthwell Foundation
When health insurance is not enough, The Healthwell Foundation fills the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses for essential treatments and medications.
Phone: 800-675-8416
Website: https://www.healthwellfoundation.org
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Grant
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation provides medical grants that enhance the quality of life for children across the United States. These grants give kids the care they need by helping with medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance.
Phone: 1-855-698-4223
Website: https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/
Job Accommodation Network
Offers workplace accommodation ideas for people with lupus.
Phone: 800-526-7234
Website: https://askjan.org
In addition to the resources below, you can also:
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to check if there are generic or less expensive medication alternatives.
- Contact the pharmaceutical company in case there are assistance programs to help you pay for the medication you are taking.
- You may get a discount for a 3-month supply instead of 1 month, and you can check if they have other programs available.
- Prescription assisance programs have common requirements in that you must be a US Citizen or legal resident, have no prescription coverage, and must meet program income guidelines, but this varies. If you have prescription coverage and don’t qualify for any PAP, these sites may also offer a prescription discount cards.
NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to improving access to affordable healthcare for individuals in need.
Website: https://www.needymeds.org
Mail Order Pharmacy
Mail order pharmacies may offer the same prescriptions at a lesser cost.
Choose an online pharmacy that has been certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS). VIPPS follow all federal and state laws and regulations.
RxOutreach
A VIPPS certified online pharmacy that can send certain prescriptions by mail at a lower cost. You must meet income requirements, you can be participating in a PAP and you can have insurance. You will need to send your prescription directly.
Phone: (888) 796-1234
Website Home Page: www.rxoutreach.org/
General Assistance Programs: http://rxoutreach.org/find-out-if-you-are-eligible/
RxAssist
Provides a list of pharmaceutical companies that assist with medication costs and other PAPs.
Website: www.Rxassist.org/
RxHope
Provides a list of pharmaceutical companies that assist with medication costs for brand name medications only. Your doctor will need to help complete the application.
Website: www.rxhope.com
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
This program is for patients who do not have any form of prescription drug coverage. There is also a searchable listing of free or low cost clinics.
Website: www.pparx.org
Together Rx
Provides a savings card for patients without prescription coverage to get discounts on their medications. Income limits apply.
Phone: (800) 444-4106
Website: http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/